Ten 2022 Film Independent Spirit Awards Nominees to Watch Out For

This year, Film Independent has defined itself once again with unique Spirit Awards nominees from the world of film and TV that other bodies haven’t recognized. That may mean the list of nominees features some films you haven’t seen, so we thought we’d run down a few that are available via streaming services and video on demand in Canada.

Join us Sunday, March 6 at 5pm ET for our exclusive live broadcast of the Film Independent Spirit Awards, hosted by Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally.

Mass

It was announced in advance this drama is taking home the Robert Altman Award for the ensemble cast, director, and casting director. The film presents the story of two couples trying to understand an emotional tragedy and has garnered a BAFTA Best Supporting Actress nomination for Ann Dowd and is the directorial debut of Cabin In The Woods actor Fran Kranz.

The Novice

Pulling down multiple nominations is quite a feat in a crowded field, so make sure to keep an eye on this genre-bending thriller from director Lauren Hadaway. Beyond Best Feature, Editing, Supporting Female and Director, this film is also a showcase for Best Female Lead actress Isabelle Fuhrman who’s been a genre mainstay, but may cross over with this role as a driven and obsessive rowing athlete.

Shiva Baby

It’s hard to top the laughs from the cringing, comedic confection that is writer/director Emma Seligman’s feature debut and nominated for the John Cassavetes Award for truly low-budget independent films. Seligman follows Rachel Senott’s unforgettable Danielle as she attends a shiva and is not only confronted with the exhaustion of her family but also the appearance of an estranged friend and her current sugar daddy… along with his wife.

Test Pattern

Few films show Film Independent’s commitment to provocative subject matter like this realist thriller that follows a recently assaulted woman and her boyfriend as they search hospital-to-hospital for a rape kit. The film is up for a Best First Feature award along with recognition for writer/director Shatara Michelle Ford’s screenplay and the stunning lead performance from Brittany S. Hall.

Wild Indian

There’s a great showing for Indigenous talent in this year’s awards including a nomination for Canadian Michael Greyeyes in this crime drama following two men and the dark secret they hold between them. His costar Chaske Spencer and writer/director Lyle Mitchell Corbine Jr. also take home nominations for this twisting tale.

Compartment No. 6

Finnish director Juho Kuosmanen crafts an unusual tale that borders on the line of romance with this Best International Film nominee many compare to Before Sunrise. Watch sparks fly and understandings change when an exhausted intellectual must share a train compartment with a kindly but chauvinistic man as she heads towards the arctic circle.

Zola

One of the most nominated films comes from the unlikely, picaresque stripper crime story from Aziah ‘Zola’ Wells that blew up on Twitter. Director Janicza Bravo writes a crime comedy that does justice to Wells’ tale, but also interrogates why people we are so drawn in to the story and the sexual and racial dynamics at play. Also nominated are Colman Domingo and Taylour page for their crafty and fluid roles in the tale.

Petite Maman

After her epic awards-season run with Portrait of a Lady On Fire, audiences likely didn’t expect a slight but moving portrait of childhood from Best International Film nominee Céline Sciamma, but she charmed audiences worldwide with this tale of mothers and children. I don’t want to spoil too much, as it is all delights in its less than 90-minute runtime, but expect joy and emotion along the way.

Reservation Dogs

The indigenous comedy that defies expectations has already claimed an award for Best Ensemble Cast in a New Scripted Series, but could win again at the ceremony for Best New Scripted Series. The cast, including Hollywood Suite fav Devery Jacobs, switches seamlessly from laugh-out-loud moments to shocking and poignant drama without ever losing the vibe along the way.

Underground Railroad

Director Barry Jenkins’ stunning adaptation of ​​Colson Whitehead’s novel was shut out at The Emmys but did take home a Golden Globe, so does it have what it takes to disrupt the Best New Scripted Series category this year? Lead actress Thuso Mbedu also has a chance to take home a statue for her role as Cora in the series.