“The Martian” actress Jessica Chastain has been named Honorary Chair for this year’s Spirit Awards, Film Independent President Josh Welsh announced Tuesday.
Chastain has previously received Spirit Award nominations for her work in “Take Shelter” (2012) and “A Most Violent Year” (2015). Past Chairs include Kerry Washington, Tom Cruise, Benicio del Toro, Angela Bassett, Jeremy Renner, Salma Hayek, Halle Berry, Robert Duvall, Jodie Foster, Nicole Kidman, Ang Lee, Julianne Moore and Martin Scorsese.
Welsh also announced that “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” star John Boyega and “I Saw the Light” actress Elizabeth Olsen will present the 2016 nominees in a press conference on Nov. 24 at The W Hollywood. The 2016 Film Independent Spirit Awards will be broadcast exclusively on IFC on Feb. 27.
“We’re so honored to have Jessica as our Honorary Chair at this year’s Spirit Awards,” said Welsh. “As a past Spirit Award nominee and someone whose work as an actor and producer embodies the qualities we celebrate at Film Independent, I can’t think of a more suitable Honorary Chair for this exciting celebration of artist-driven filmmaking.”
This year marks the 31st edition of the awards show that celebrates the best in film. Awards are bestowed in categories such as Best Feature, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Female Lead, Best Male Lead, Best International Film and more.