Piaget, The Lincoln Motor Company, Bank of America, Heineken, American Airlines and IFC to Serve as Premier Sponsors of the 2015 Film Independent Spirit Awards

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Film Independent, the nonprofit arts organization that produces the Spirit Awards, the Film Independent at LACMA Film Series and Los Angeles Film Festival, announced its sponsors for the 2015 Film Independent Spirit Awards, which will be held in a tent at Santa Monica beach on Saturday, February 21, 2015. The Film Independent Spirit Awards are sponsored by Premier Sponsors Piaget, The Lincoln Motor Company, Bank of America, Heineken, American Airlines and IFC. T-Mobile is the Official Arrivals Show Sponsor, Sauza 901 Tequila is the Official Spirit and FIJI Water is the Official Water of the 2015 Spirit Awards. WireImage is the Official Photographer of Film Independent.

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As previously announced, the awards ceremony will air live exclusively at 2:00 pm PT / 5:00 pm ET and premiere later that evening at 10:00 pm ET/PT exclusively on IFC, with Fred Armisen and Kristen Bell co-hosting the show.

For the eighth consecutive year, Piaget is proud to be a Premier sponsor of the Film Independent Spirit Awards. Once again, the luxury Swiss watchmaker and jeweler will present the Piaget Producers Award in recognition of outstanding creative vision and achievement. Piaget will continue to host its exclusive backstage VIP lounge, where the event's most celebrated artists retreat to relax amidst a wonderful display of Piaget's high jewelry creations and timepieces.

In the third year as the official automotive sponsor of the Film Independent Spirit Awards, Lincoln continues to embrace and celebrate its appreciation for fine filmmaking, inventive storytelling and honoring the independent spirit of those marking their own paths instead of following others. Lincoln shares a quest with several independent filmmakers to find beauty and balance in their work. With the MKZ Hybrid, Lincoln underscores the idea that luxury car buyers need not compromise style and substance to be environmentally responsible.

As a first time supporter, Bank of America is a Premier Sponsor of the 2015 Film Independent Spirit Awards. Throughout the partnership, Bank of America will sponsor the Nominee Screening Series, the Filmmaker Grants & Nominee Brunch, as well as the exclusive co-branded nominee interviews and movie nights on IFC. Bank of America has a long-standing commitment to the arts sector, which reflects the belief that the arts are a powerful tool to help economies thrive, to help individuals connect with each other and across cultures, and to educate and enrich societies.  Bank of America supports the arts domestically as well as serves as a cultural diplomat through global programs such as international tours of a world renowned symphony and dance troupe and provides funding for museums, theater, and dance worldwide, in addition to a distinctive conservation program which preserves the integrity of art of many nations and cultures. 

Heineken is proud to reignite its partnership with Film Independent and to be the official beer sponsor of the 30th Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards in 2015. With this partnership, Heineken continues to support, and demonstrate its passion, for the independent film community. At this year's Spirit Awards, Heineken will host guests in its custom hospitality suite and Heineken will be served at the awards show. Heineken USA Inc., the nation's leading upscale beer importer, is a subsidiary of Heineken International BV, the world's most international brewer. For the latest information on our company and brands, follow us on Twitter @Heineken_US or visit Heineken.com.

American Airlines is proud to be the official airline and a premier sponsor of the Film Independent Spirit Awards. This year, guests can enjoy a taste of the American premium experience at its exclusive backstage lounge at the Spirit Awards. For more than eight decades, American Airlines has been the preferred airline of the entertainment industry at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), offering nearly 200 daily departures to 55 destinations around the world. American operates the only three-class transcontinental service to New York with its award-winning Airbus A321T and the most daily, year round nonstop flights to London, all with fully lie-flat, direct aisle access seats in First and Business Class.

T-Mobile is proud to be a sponsor of this year's Film Independent Spirit Awards and celebrate those who share our passion for challenging the status quo. As the Official Arrivals Show Sponsor, T-Mobile's unleashing the power of social media so that those at home can get in on the action by submitting questions via Twitter and then see their questions answered on the event LIVE stream on Yahoo! T-Mobile's shaking up the wireless industry with its Un-carrier moves and redefining the way people buy wireless services and products. T-Mobile's advanced nationwide 4G LTE network delivers outstanding wireless experiences to more than 55 million customers unwilling to compromise on quality and value. For more information, please visit www.t-mobile.com.

LensCrafters, the leading optical retailer in North America, is a proud sponsor of the 2015 Film Independent Spirit Awards' "Truer Than Fiction Award". Founded in 1983, LensCrafters currently operates over 900 stores in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. LensCrafters offers the best selection of the latest trends in eyewear from leading designer brands as well as incomparable personalized service from on-site doctors of optometry to a lens finishing laboratory. With a mission of helping people look and see their best, LensCrafters ensures you don't miss a single frame of your favorite film. From the opening scene to the closing credits, trust your eyes to LensCrafters.

Sauza® 901® Tequila is proud to partner with Film Independent for the first time as the official spirit of the Film Independent Spirit Awards. To mark the occasion, Sauza® 901® will host the event's most prestigious artists with its premium backstage bar and grace the star-studded tables inside the awards gala. The ideal spirit to toast to creativity and innovation, Sauza® 901® is a triple distilled, super premium, 100% agave tequila that offers a smooth taste crafted using only the finest Blue Weber agave. For more information, visit www.sauza901.com, like us on Facebook.com/Sauza901, or follow us on Twitter and Instagram @Sauza901.

Breyers® Gelato Indulgences™ is proud to sponsor the 30^th annual Film Independent Spirit Awards as an Official Backstage Hospitality Lounge Co-sponsor. After the product's successful U.S. debut in 2014, Breyers® Gelato Indulgences™, with its rich trio of textures – creamy gelato, luscious sauce and gourmet toppings – will introduce three new deliciously indulgent flavors to guests at this year's annual Film Independent Spirit Awards. Guests and celebrities will have the opportunity to sample new Breyers® Gelato Indulgences™ Chocolate Caramel, featuring chocolate gelato with luscious caramel sauce and gourmet chocolate curls, Breyers® Gelato Indulgences™ Mint Chocolate, featuring mint gelato with a rich fudge swirl and gourmet chocolate curls and Breyers® Gelato Indulgences™ Strawberry Truffle, featuring strawberry gelato with a rich fudge swirl and gourmet dark chocolatey truffles. Other nationally available Breyers® Gelato Indulgences™ varieties include Vanilla Caramel, Tiramisu, Raspberry Cheesecake, Cappuccino, Chocolate Caramel and Triple Chocolate. For more product information, please visit Breyers.com or visit the Breyers® Facebook fan page at Facebook.com/Breyers, follow Breyers® on Twitter at Twitter.com/Breyers or Pinterest Pinterest.com/Breyers.

For the second year, Kiehl's Since 1851, the venerable New York-based purveyor of fine quality skin and hair care products, is proud to support the Film Independent Spirit Awards by sponsoring the Someone To Watch Grant. The brand is honored to be a part of this event, highlighting the talented filmmakers and actors that work within the community. This year, Spirit Awards guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy an assortment of Kiehl's products in the event facilities. In addition, Kiehl's is thrilled to support Film Independent's signature diversity program, Project Involve. Through this program, Kiehl's will help cultivate the careers of filmmakers from communities traditionally underrepresented in the industry. To learn more about Kiehl's, please visit www.kiehls.com, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Instagram (@KiehlsNYC).

For the second consecutive year, FIJI® Water is thrilled to partner with Film Independent as the official water of the Film Independent Spirit Awards. FIJI, with its newly redesigned label and fresh new look, will keep guests and nominees hydrated throughout the event. FIJI Water, natural artesian water bottled at the source in Viti Levu (Fiji islands), is the No. 1 premium bottled water in the United States. FIJI Water, known for its iconic square bottle, soft mouth feel and unique mineral profile, is the water of choice among discerning consumers and top chefs.  Widely available at fine restaurants and hotels, all major retail channels and through a convenient home/business delivery service, FIJI Water has expanded globally to more than 60 countries. To discover Earth's Finest Water, please visit www.fijiwater.com, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.

Yahoo is the exclusive digital partner of the 2015 Spirit Awards and the exclusive distributor of the Live Arrivals Show on Saturday, February 21 at 11:00am PST / 2:00pm EST. You can view pre-show and post-show coverage of the Spirit Awards at yahoo.com/movies/spirit-awards.

ABOUT THE FILM INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARDS
Now in its 30th year, the Film Independent Spirit Awards is an annual celebration that honors artist-driven films made with an economy of means by filmmakers whose films embody independence and originality. The Spirit Awards recognizes the achievements of American and international independent filmmakers and promotes the finest independent films of the year to a wider audience. The winners of the Spirit Awards are voted upon by Film Independent and IFP Members. 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 Editing, the Robert Altman Award, Best International Film and Best Documentary. The Filmmaker Grants include the Piaget Producers Award, the Kiehl's Someone to Watch Award and the LensCrafters Truer Than Fiction Award. The Film Independent Spirit Awards are sponsored by Premier Sponsors Piaget, The Lincoln Motor Company, Bank of America, Heineken, American Airlines and IFC. T-Mobile is the Official Arrivals Show Sponsor, Sauza 901 Tequila is the Official Spirit and FIJI Water is the Official Water of the 2015 Spirit Awards. WireImage is the Official Photographer of Film Independent.

For more information about the Spirit Awards, please visit SpiritAwards.com.

ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT
Film Independent is a nonprofit 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, as well as the Los Angeles Film Festival, celebrating its 20th anniversary of showcasing the best of American and international cinema. Film Independent also produces the Film Independent at LACMA, 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

Contact: Alia Quart Khan, Film Independent
Tel: 310.432.1287 or [email protected]

Gina Pence, Ginsberg/Libby
Tel: 323.645.6800 or [email protected]

For Yahoo Live Arrivals Show embed codes contact:
Megan Rose /[email protected]

SOURCE Film Independent

Related Links

http://www.filmindependent.org

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