Andy Samberg to Host 2013 Film Independent Spirit Awards

- Ceremony to premiere on IFC, Saturday, February 23, at 10:00 pm ET/PT -

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 11, 2012 -- Film Independent co-presidents Sean Mc Manus and Josh Welsh jointly announced that Andy Samberg will serve as host for the 2013 Film Independent Spirit Awards. The nonprofit, which also produces the Los Angeles Film Festival and Film Independent at LACMA film series, will hold the 28th annual awards ceremony as a daytime luncheon in a tent on the beach in Santa Monica on Saturday, February 23, with the premiere broadcast airing later that evening at 10:00 pm ET/PT on IFC. Additionally, longtime executive producer Diana Zahn-Storey is returning for her 18th Spirit Awards show.

"The moment I heard Andy's name, I knew we had our host for the 2013 Film Independent Spirit Awards," said co-president Mc Manus. "He's one of the most funny young comedic actors working today and having him join us in celebrating this year's exceptional films and talented filmmaking artists is a true honor."

"Andy Samberg is an amazing comedian, just as offbeat as IFC," commented IFC President & General Manager, Jennifer Caserta. "We're thrilled that he's hosting this year's Spirit Awards. This is a real treat for our viewers."

The 2013 Film Independent Spirit Awards signals Samberg's return to hosting duties since heading up the 2009 MTV Movie Awards, which was the highest rated Movie Awards since 2004.

"Andy is the complete package," said Zahn-Storey. "He's a great comedic actor, who sings, writes, and produces hilarious digital shorts. I look forward to working with him and taking full advantage of his many talents."

Emmy(R) award winning actor and writer Samberg is achieving as much success behind the scenes as he is on screen. Having just completed his 7th and final season as a cast member on Saturday Night Live, he most recently starred in the critically lauded and Spirit Award nominated film Celeste and Jesse Forever, written by and co-starring Rashida Jones, lent his vocal talents to the box office hit Hotel Transylvania alongside Adam Sandler, and starred on the hit BBC Three sitcom Cuckoo. Other film credits include: Sean Anders' That's My Boy opposite Adam Sandler; Will Gluck's Friends With Benefits opposite Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis; John Hamberg's I Love You, Man opposite Paul Rudd and Jason Segel; Chris Miller's animated feature Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs with Bill Hader, Anna Farris and James Caan; and Akiva Schaffer's Hot Rod, starring Jorma Taccone, Ian McShane, Sissy Spacek, Isla Fisher, and Bill Hader.

Additionally, Samberg is also Grammy nominated, along with his LONELY ISLAND partners Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone. Their first comedy album Incredibad included the Emmy(R) winning sensation "D*** In A Box," featuring superstar Justin Timberlake and was the #1 selling comedy album in 2009 and 2010. Earlier this year they released their follow up, Turtleneck and Chain, which was nominated for a 2012 Grammy for "Best Comedy Album" and included such musical heavy hitters as Akon, Justin Timberlake, Nicki Minaj and Rihanna.

The production team for this year's Spirit Awards includes Director and Producer Chris Donovan; Producer Shawn Davis, who has been a part of the show and produced the Spirit Awards for 10 years; and Producer John Hamilton, who has produced the Spirit Awards for 6 years.

The Film Independent Spirit Awards are sponsored by Premier Sponsors Piaget and Jameson(R) Irish Whiskey and Lincoln and Principal Sponsor Stella Artois. WireImage is the Official Photographer and PR Newswire is the Official Breaking News Service of Film Independent.

For more information on submission guidelines, voting, media and publicist credentials, and the history of the Spirit Awards, please visit SpiritAwards.com.

ABOUT THE FILM INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARDS

Now in its 28th year, the Film Independent Spirit Awards is an annual celebration honoring artist-driven films made with an economy of means by filmmakers who embody independence and originality. The Spirit Awards recognizes the achievements of American independent filmmakers and promotes the finest independent films of the year to a wider audience.

Awards are given in the following categories: Best Feature, Best First Feature, Best First Screenplay, Best Director, Best Screenplay, John Cassavetes Award (given to the best feature made for a budget under $500,000), Best Male Lead, Best Female Lead, Best Supporting Male, Best Supporting Female, Best Cinematography, Best International Film, Best Documentary, and the Robert Altman Award. The Filmmaker Grants include the Someone to Watch Award, Stella Artois Truer Than Fiction Award, Piaget Producers Award and Jameson FIND Your Audience Award.

ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT

Film Independent is a non-profit arts organization that champions independent film and supports a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation, and uniqueness of vision. Film Independent helps filmmakers make their movies, builds an audience for their projects, and works to diversify the film industry. Film Independent's Board of Directors, filmmakers, staff, and constituents, is comprised of an inclusive community of individuals across ability, age, ethnicity, gender, race, and sexual orientation. Anyone passionate about film can become a member, whether you are a filmmaker, industry professional, or a film lover.

Film Independent produces the Spirit Awards, the annual celebration honoring artist-driven films and recognizing the finest achievements of American independent filmmakers. Film Independent also produces the Los Angeles Film Festival, showcasing the best of American and international cinema and the Film Independent at LACMA Film Series, a year-round, weekly program that offers unique cinematic experiences for the Los Angeles creative community and the general public.

With over 250 annual screenings and events, Film Independent provides access to a network of like-minded artists who are driving creativity in the film industry. Film Independent's Artist Development program offers free Labs for selected writers, directors, producers and documentary filmmakers and presents year-round networking opportunities. Project Involve is Film Independent's signature program dedicated to fostering the careers of talented filmmakers from communities traditionally underrepresented in the film industry.

For more information or to become a member, visit FilmIndependent.org.