Kate Berlant and John Early to Host the 2027 Film Independent Spirit Awards

The "Maddie's Secret" co-stars and longtime collaborators will host the 42nd annual Film Independent Spirit Awards at the Hollywood Palladium on Saturday, March 6, 2027.

The Film Independent Spirit Awards are returning to the Hollywood Palladium with a new pair of hosts in tow.

Film Independent, the nonprofit organization dedicated to championing independent storytelling and supporting artists, announced on Wednesday, December 10 that “Maddie’s Secret” stars Kate Berlant and John Early will co-host the 2027 Film Independent Spirit Awards.

The acclaimed comedians, actors and longtime creative collaborators, who have written and/or starred together in other projects like Emmy-nominated variety special “Would It Kill You to Laugh?,” and cult comedy series “Search Party” will bring their comedic sensibilities to the 42nd annual Spirit Awards. The celebration of the best in independent film and television takes place Saturday, March 6, 2027 in Los Angeles, California.

“If there’s one thing we don’t need, it’s another predictable awards show,” said Juan Devis, President of Film Independent, as part of the announcement. “Kate and John are two of the funniest, strangest and most brilliantly unpredictable performers working today. They embody everything we love about independent storytelling: originality, fearlessness and a healthy disregard for convention. We’re excited to shake things up, break a few rules and have some fun along the way.”

“We’ve always been obsessed with awards shows, and we’re so honored we get to host the coolest one,” the hosts said in a joint statement. “Tune in to see if we choke under pressure!”

Nominations will be announced on Wednesday, December 2. The 2027 ceremony will introduce the Best International First Feature and Digital Creator Award categories, said to further expand the Spirit Awards’ recognition of bold, original storytelling across platforms and around the world.

In other recent developments, acclaimed filmmaker Roman Coppola will contribute to the ceremony in his new creative consultant role. The Nominee Brunch, an annual highlight honoring all nominees and featuring the presentation of the Emerging Filmmaker Awards, will take place on Saturday, January 9, 2027 at The London West Hollywood.

Berlant and Early join a roster of past Spirit Awards hosts that includes Ego Nwodim, Aidy Bryant, Hasan Minhaj, Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, Nick Kroll and John Mulaney, Kate McKinnon and Kumail Nanjiani, Fred Armisen and Kristen Bell, Andy Samberg, and John Waters.