Molly Shannon’s New Role: Honorary Chair at the Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica

Molly Shannon is making moves from the milestone SNL50 celebration in New York to the Spirit Awards on the beach in Santa Monica.

The veteran star has been tapped to serve as honorary chair at this Saturday’s awards ceremony from Film Independent. The gig — previously filled by the likes of Javier Bardem, Angela Bassett, Halle Berry, Jessica Chastain, Jodie Foster, Samuel L. Jackson, Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore, Kerry Washington and others — is given each year to an individual “who exemplifies outstanding artistic achievement and embodies Film Independent’s mission.”

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Shannon, a Spirit Award winner in 2017 for her work in Other People, will present during the telecast and share the stage with a roster of newly announced presenters that includes Tadanobu Asano, Carrie Coon, Danielle Deadwyler, Mark and Jay Duplass, Walton Goggins, Kathryn Hahn, Alana Haim, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Patti LuPone, Melanie Lynskey, Natasha Lyonne, Sonequa Martin-Green, Natalie Morales, Ruth Negga, Karen Pittman, Questlove, Edgar Ramirez, Hunter Schafer, Randy and Jason Sklar, Julio Torres, Jessica Williams and Michelle Yeoh.

The Spirit Awards also confirmed today its roster of sponsors that will be on site in the big white tent on the beach. Fiji Water is back to hydrate guests with its square bottles (made from 100 percent recycled plastic) as the official water partner for the 12th consecutive year.

Joining this year is Lavazza, the Italian coffee company, which will offer up coffee pours with premium espresso and specialty CoffeeTails to celebrate “the bold experiences, moments and stories that connect us.” Returning this year is the IMDb Portrait Studio. All talent and filmmakers will be invited to visit IMDb’s exclusive portrait studio with celebrity photographer Corey Nickols. Portraits will be published by Getty Images, as well as featured on IMDb.com.

Also making a bit return this year will be the Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Lounge, always a hot spot for attendees. Ambassador and mixologist Kyle McHugh will serve up custom cocktails for Bulleit. Cast & Crew, the production partner for payroll, HR, finance, data, creative and collaboration services and solutions, will host an “Encore Cam” backstage. The activation will offer winners a second chance to express gratitude.

Miraval also serves as an official partner and the brand will offer crafted wines to be enjoyed at the event including Miraval C?tes de Provence Rosé and Petite Fleur Rosé Champagne. Easterseals Disability Services returns as the official accessibility partner while Hotel Casa del Mar and the Georgian serve as the milestone event’s official hotels.

The Film Independent Spirit Awards, hosted once again by Saturday Night Live alum Aidy Bryant, will be streamed live on the IMDb and Film Independent YouTube and respective X channels beginning at 2 p.m. PT on Saturday, Feb. 22. The full list of nominees can be found here.

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