Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal's debut production 'Girls Will Be Girls' wins the John Cassavetes Award at the 40th Independent Spirit Awards. The film, directed by Shuchi Talati, follows a 16-year-old's rebellious journey.

The Film Independent Spirit Awards is held in a tent near the Santa Monica pier in bright daylight (2 p.m. PST). For this 40th edition, “Saturday Night Live” alum Aidy Bryant returns for her second year as host, shepherding a show that honors and celebrates independent film and television.

The Film Independent Spirit Awards are pulling up anchor from the iconic Santa Monica beach they've long called home. Just two days after the 2025 ceremony, a new report has announced that the Spirit Awards will no longer be taking place at its regular oceanfront venue.

EXCLUSIVE Film Independent Spirit Awards are moving from the Santa Monica beach as soon as next year. We hear that it’s due to the buildout for the 2028 Summer Olympics. We understand that the cycling portion of the games could be stationed at the Beach.