Film Independent has revealed more information about what the 2021 Independent Spirit Awards will look like as awards shows continue to seek out innovative ways to hold their annual events amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Virtual venue Looped will turn the 36th annual Spirit Awards into a fully interactive audio and visual experience, creating an online equivalent of the show’s annual beach tent.
Before the show, guests will be able to attend a curated cocktail hour with a DJ and then watch the show from private viewing suites. Guests will be able to engage in live video chat as they move between various curated virtual bars and tents.
A virtual backstage experience will also feature exclusive tents for nominees and special guests.
Film Independent is also hosting a viewing party for people from around the world to watch the show and chat with fellow film and TV lovers.
The traditional after party has also been reimagined as a virtual karaoke party.
Last year’s winners Adam Sandler, Lulu Wang and Renee Zellweger are among the presenters for this year’s show along with Daveed Diggs, Julia Garner, Kathryn Hahn and Annie Murphy.
The 2021 Film Independent Spirit Awards, hosted by Saturday Night Live‘s Melissa Villaseñor, will take place on Thursday, April 22 and air live on IFC and AMC+ at 10 p.m. ET.
