There is a tradition of “Saturday Night Live” stars hosting the Film Independent Spirit Awards. Andy Samberg, Fred Armisen, Kate McKinnon, Melissa Villaseñor, and Aidy Bryant have all emceed the event. This year, after a fantastic two-year stint by Bryant, Ego Nwodim is taking the batand.
In a statement from Film Independent Nwodim noted, “No stage celebrates the incredible work of these visionary artists and independent creators everywhere quite like the Spirit Awards. I can’t wait to join Film Independent for an afternoon of fun, laughs and a few surprises.”
Brenda Robinson, Acting President of Film Independent, added, “We are thrilled to have the brilliantly talented Ego Nwodim joining us to host the 41st annual Spirit Awards. Ego has entertained audiences with her sharp wit and genius comedic timing for many years and we’re excited to make her a part of Film Independent history. We are looking forward to a day filled with hilarity and joy as we celebrate excellence in independent film and television on February 15th.”
Nwodim spent seven seasons starring on “SNL” earning a Critics Choice Award nomination and two NAACP Image Award nominations for her work. She was best known for characters such as Lisa from Temecula, Miss Eggy, and Patti. Her other crecits include “Poker Face,” “It’s Florida, Man” and “Roar.” Her film credits include “Players,” “Spin Me Round,” and “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile.” She’ll soon be seen in Mindy Kaling’s upcoming Hulu comedy “Not Suitable for Work,” the Netflix’s comedy film “Little Brother, Backyard Baseball,” and Pixar’s “Hoppers.”
Other notable hosts of the Spirit Awards include Hasan Minhaj; Megan Mullaly and Nick Offerman; Aubrey Plaza; Nick Kroll and John Mulaney; Kumail Nanjiani; Kristen Bell; Patton Oswalt; Rainn Wilson; Joel McHale; Sarah Silverman; Samuel L. Jackson; Queen Latifah, and John Waters.
The 41st Film Independent Spirit Awards will take place on February 15 at the Hollywood Palladium as the ceremony’s traditional spot on the beach in Santa Monica is being reconfigured for the 2028 Olympic Games. The event will be streamed on YouTube beginning at 2 PM PT.
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