LOS ANGELES, CA – October 29, 2026 – Film Independent announced today that filmmaker Roman Coppola will serve in the newly created role of Creative Consultant for the 2027 Film Independent Spirit Awards, bringing his distinctive artistic perspective to the ceremony. His appointment reflects Film Independent’s expanding creative ambitions under President Juan Devis and a renewed emphasis on the Spirits as a celebration of independent film culture.
Working alongside Film Independent’s production team, Coppola will help shape the tone, visual identity and overall experience of the 2027 Spirit Awards, building on their tradition of irreverence and originality while introducing fresh energy and ideas. Coppola’s appointment marks an early step in Devis’ broader vision for Film Independent, strengthening its role as a champion of independent artists amid a changing arts and entertainment landscape.
“The Spirit Awards have always celebrated artists who challenge conventions and find new ways to tell stories. We believe the Spirits themselves should embrace that same creative freedom,” said Juan Devis, President of Film Independent. “Roman brings a unique sensibility, a sense of play, and a willingness to experiment. We’re excited to work with him to rethink not just the ceremony, but the entire experience of bringing our independent film community together.”
Coppola’s creative guidance will extend beyond the ceremony, helping connect the events surrounding the Awards through a shared artistic vision. Drawing on music, Los Angeles culture and the event’s Hollywood setting, he will explore new partnerships and unexpected collaborations to bring that vision to life throughout the season.
“The endless inventiveness of cinema and the unique, diverse ways filmmakers find to express themselves are things I care deeply about,” said Coppola. “I’m looking forward to collaborating with the team to create a celebration that’s playful, adventurous, and full of surprises—one that will spotlight the remarkable voices that make independent cinema so vital.”
Taking place Saturday, March 6, 2027 at the Hollywood Palladium, the Spirit Awards are Film Independent’s annual celebration of independent artists. These storytellers are at the heart of the organization’s broader ecosystem, which supports them year-round through creative development, education and audience experiences. The nominees for the 2027 Spirit Awards will be announced on Wednesday, December 2. The Nominee Brunch, an annual highlight honoring all nominees and featuring the presentation of the Emerging Filmmaker Awards, including the new Digital Creator Award, will take place on Saturday, January 9, 2027, once again at The London West Hollywood.
Only Film Independent Members determine the winners of the Film Independent Spirit Awards. To learn more go to www.filmindependent.org/join/.
The Film Independent Spirit Awards are supported by Principal Partner IMDbPro and Official Partner The Redford Center. The London West Hollywood and W Hollywood are Official Hotels. Pentagram is the Visual Branding Partner. Getty Images is the Official Photographer. Vision Digital is the Exclusive Screening Partner.
ABOUT ROMAN COPPOLA
Roman Coppola is an award-winning American filmmaker. Described by his colleagues as their Swiss Army Knife, Coppola has worn all hats on set, whether directing, writing, producing, and just about everything else. Through his deft technical hand and his curious, outside-the-box approach, Coppola has eagerly participated in all forms of filmmaking, including feature films, documentary, television, commercial, music video, brand work, and much more. His work has garnered numerous accolades, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay, a BAFTA nomination for Visual Effects, a BAFTA nomination for Best Original Screenplay, a Grammy nomination for Best Music Video, and residence in the MoMA Permanent Collection. Additionally, his work has won 3 MTV VMA Moonmen, a Golden Globe for Best TV Comedy, a Clio, and many more awards.
Outside of filmmaking, Coppola invented an inflatable film enclosure known as Photobubble, continues to produce and design colorful high-quality tote bags from Pacific Tote Company, and is developing a streamlined communication app close to release. He launched a revolutionary blockchain-based film community known as Decentralized Pictures, and cofounded a quarterly culture magazine called Enthousiasmos.
Most recently, Coppola has done brand work for Zegna, Chanel, Montblanc, Suntory Whisky, Coca-Cola, Honda, and Ford, he served as an executive producer and cinematographer on Sofia Coppola’s Marc by Sofia, as second-unit director on Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis, and is currently co-writing his next unannounced film collaboration with Wes Anderson and Richard Ayoade, gearing up for production in the coming months.
ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT
For over 40 years, Film Independent has championed creative independence and helped filmmakers get their projects made and seen. The nonprofit organization supports a global community of artists and audiences united by a love of film, a spirit of discovery and a belief in the power of storytelling to connect us. With inclusion at its core, Film Independent celebrates bold voices, original perspectives and the exchange of ideas across disciplines and cultures.
Through artist development programs, grants, labs and its signature mentorship program Project Involve, Film Independent gives filmmakers the resources and community to build sustainable creative lives. Educational programs equip storytellers of all experience levels with practical tools, while international initiatives foster cultural exchange and collaboration. The Film Independent Spirit Awards celebrate exceptional achievement in independent film, television, and new media. Year-round programming brings artists and audiences together through screenings, conversations, Live Reads®, and other shared cultural experiences.
