Ego Nwodim is set to host the 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards, it was announced Tuesday.
The upcoming 2026 Spirit Awards will mark the 41st edition of the annual awards show honoring the best of independent cinema and television.
“No stage celebrates the incredible work of these visionary artists and independent creators everywhere quite like the Spirit Awards,” Nwodim said in a statement. “I can’t wait to join Film Independent for an afternoon of fun, laughs and a few surprises.”
“We are thrilled to have the brilliantly talented Ego Nwodim joining us to host the 41st annual Spirit Awards,” said Brenda Robinson, Acting President of Film Independent. “Ego has entertained audiences with her sharp wit and genius comedic timing for many years and we’re excited to make her a part of Film Independent history. We are looking forward to a day filled with hilarity and joy as we celebrate excellence in independent film and television on February 15th.”
Nwodim’s hosting gig follows the comedian’s surprise departure from Saturday Night Live, which she starred on for seven seasons and earned a Critics Choice Award nomination and two NAACP Image Award nominations at the time. Nwodim was the fifth member of SNL’s cast to leave between seasons, following Heidi Gardner, Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow and Emil Wakim.
Previous Spirit Awards hosts include Aidy Bryant; Hasan Minhaj; Megan Mullaly and Nick Offerman; Melissa Villaseñor; Aubrey Plaza; Nick Kroll and John Mulaney; Kate McKinnon and Kumail Nanjiani; Fred Armisen and Kristen Bell; Patton Oswalt; Andy Samberg; Rainn Wilson; Joel McHale; Sarah Silverman; Samuel L. Jackson; Queen Latifah and John Waters.
Nominations for the 2026 Spirit Awards were revealed on December 3. Winners will be announced at the awards show on February 15 at the Hollywood Palladium and will be streamed live on the Film Independent and IMDb YouTube channels, and across other social platforms, beginning at 2 p.m. PT.
Peter Hujar’s Day topped the film nominees with five nods, followed by a number of films that each scored four nominations: Blue Sun Palace; Lurker; One of Them Days; Sorry, Baby; and Train Dreams. Lucky Lu, The Plague and Twinless each received three nods. Meanwhile In the TV categories, Adolescence, Forever and Mr Loverman lead with four nominations apiece.
In addition to SNL, Nwodim has also made appearances in the second season of Peacock’s Poker Face, HBO’s It’s Florida, Man and Apple TV’s anthology series Roar. In film she has performed in works such as Netflix’s Players, IFC’s Spin Me Round and Sony’s Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile. Additionally, the actress-comedian hosts her podcast Thanks Dad, which has welcomed an A-list lineup of guests such as Randall Park, Kyle Mooney and Bill Burr.
Upcoming projects include Mindy Kaling’s Hulu comedy Not Suitable for Work, Netflix’s comedy Little Brother, Backyard Baseball, and Disney and Pixar’s Hoppers.
The upcoming show will mark executive producer Shawn Davis in his 24th year with the Spirit Awards as well as the fourth collaboration with Emmy Award-winning producer Eddie Delbridge of Live Digital Entertainment. Emmy Award-winning producer Andrew Schaff is also returning.
Film Independent Spirit Awards are supported by Premier Sponsor Lavazza Coffee, Principal Sponsor IMDbPro and Official Sponsor FIJI Water. Easterseals Disability Services is the accessibility partner. The London West Hollywood and W Hollywood are the Official Hotels. Getty Images is the Official Photographer. Vision Media is the exclusive screening partner.
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