Film Independent revealed the nominees and winners of the 2024 Independent Spirit Awards, which recognize outstanding achievement in film and television. The 39th annual Spirit Awards took place Sunday, February 25, 2024, with SNL alum Aidy Bryant hosting the official ceremony. Congratulations to the following graduates of the AFI Conservatory who were recognized this year!
Best First Feature
CHRONICLES OF A WANDERING SAINT
–Tomás Gómez Bustillo (AFI Class of 2018), Writer/Director
–Amanda Freedman (AFI Class 2019), Producer
–Benjamin Gonzales Tolentino (AFI Class 2018), Editor
–Quinn Else (AFI Class 2019), Visual Effects Artist
–Doriane Desfaugeres (AFI Class 2018), Production Designer/Executive Producer
–Ciro Apicella (AFI Class 2019), Executive Producer
–R.J. Glass (AFI Class 2019), Executive Producer
–Samir Oliveros (AFI Class 2019), Executive Producer
EARTH MAMA
–James Wilson (AFI Class of 1991), Executive Producer
Best Feature
ALL OF US STRANGERS
–Jonathan Alberts (AFI Class of 2001), Editor
MAY DECEMBER
–Nicholas Erickson (AFI Class of 2015), Associate Producer
–Thorsten Schumacher (AFI Class of 2001), Executive Producer
–Affonso Gonçalves (AFI Class of 1993), Editor
–Chris Tenzis (AFI Class of 2019), Assistant Editor
John Cassavetes Award
THE UNKNOWN COUNTRY
–Vanara Taing (AFI Class of 2012), Writer/Editor/Producer
–Selinda Zhou (AFI Class of 2018), Assistant Editor
Best First Screenplay
CHRONICLES OF A WANDERING SAINT
–Tomás Gómez Bustillo (AFI Class of 2018), Writer/Director
Best International Film
THE ZONE OF INTEREST
–James Wilson (AFI Class of 1991), Producer
Best New Scripted Series
BEEF – WINNER
–Eric Jihwan Jeon (AFI Class of 2010), Art Director (Additional Photography)
–Zirao Zhang (AFI Class of 2021), Concept Illustrator
I’M A VIRGO
–Aashish Gandhi (AFI Class of 2010), Digital Imaging Technician
JURY DUTY
–Kerry O’Neill (AFI DWW+ Class of 2024), Writer/Cast
Best New Non-Scripted or Documentary Series
DEAR MAMA – WINNER
–Hilda Mercado (AFI Class of 2000), Camera Operator: B Camera
MURDER IN BIG HORN
–Chris Young (AFI Class of 2016), Online Editor
Best Ensemble Cast in a New Scripted Series
JURY DUTY – WINNER
–Kerry O’Neill (AFI DWW+ Class of 2024), Writer/Cast
Learn more about the AFI Conservatory at https://conservatory.afi.com/.
