As the Film Independent Spirit Awards continue to celebrate the year’s best and most original voices in independent cinema, this year’s ceremony promises something special with Emmy-nominated comedian and “Saturday Night Live” standout Ego Nwodim stepping in as host for the first time.
An acclaimed actress and producer, Nwodim spent seven seasons on “Saturday Night Live,” establishing herself as a groundbreaking comedic voice while earning a Critics’ Choice Award nomination and two NAACP Image Award nominations. During that time, she built an impressive career across multiple platforms. On television, she has appeared in Peacock’s “Poker Face,” HBO’s “It’s Florida, Man,” and Apple TV’s anthology series “Roar.” Her film credits include Netflix’s “Players,” IFC’s “Spin Me Round,” and Sony’s “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile.” She also hosts the award-winning podcast “Thanks Dad,” which has featured A-list guests such as Randall Park, Kyle Mooney, and Bill Burr. Up next, she will appear in Mindy Kaling’s Hulu comedy “Not Suitable for Work,” Netflix’s “Little Brother, Backyard Baseball,” Disney and Pixar’s “Hoppers,” and made her Off-Broadway debut this fall at Lincoln Center with a one-woman comedy show as part of “The Comedy Series.”
Known for her sharp wit, infectious energy, and welcoming stage presence, Nwodim brings a fresh perspective to one of awards season’s most beloved celebrations of independent filmmaking. Ahead of the ceremony this weekend, I spoke with her about preparing for her first time hosting an awards show, her passion for indie films, and what audiences can expect from this year’s Spirit Awards.
*Please note this interview has been edited for clarity*
Thank you so much for taking the time here today. I really appreciate it.
Of course. Thank you for having me.
I want to start by asking: in this day and age, everyone is always talking about how there are so many options.There are so many great films and television shows to watch and discover, whether through streaming or international offerings. content, Have you been able to see all the nominated shows and movies this year? If not, it’s okay. But, if so, are there any favorites or standouts for you?
I have seen a good portion of them, but I can’t pick a favorite because, as a host, in some sense, I feel like a mother of the evening, and I couldn’t pick a favorite child. But I’ve enjoyed a lot of what I’ve seen, and I’m really excited to be part of honoring those films this awards season.
When you get up on that stage, and I know that you’re very familiar with being in that position from years of working on SNL, do you have any kind of pre-ritual or anything that you do to psych yourself up before going out there, in front of all those people?
I don’t have a typical ritual. I think I just see what my vibe is. I think the energy of the room is something that I play off of. I think that it’s just such an exciting thing, because I’ve never done this particular gig before. So that’ll be incredibly energizing. The fortunate thing is that I get the opportunity to do things I’ve never done before. So each time feels like a new, exciting endeavor. And this is no different. So. I’m super excited, and I think that I’m going to feed off of just the energy of the night. It’s such a cool thing to be a part of, and I’m such a fan of independent films, so I’m really happy that I get to do this.
You’re a natural-born entertainer at heart, and I’m sure you’ll knock it out of the park this upcoming weekend. I’m curious if you can tease us with any upcoming surprises you have in store for us this weekend?
I think people should tune in!
Hahaha.
No really. I think people should tune in. So if you want to hear what happens that night, I think the best thing to do is to watch the show. It’ll be on Film Independent’s official site and YouTube. So, I’m very excited for people to watch it however they want.
You mentioned before that this is a new challenge for you. And as I said, I know that you have an innate ability to entertain us, but I’m curious to know specifically what you see as the challenge that lies before you this weekend?
Well, you called it a challenge!
Oh, that’s true. Thank you for the correction! Haha.
This is a new endeavor.
It is, yeah. So what’s the challenge in this endeavor for you that excites you?
So what’s exciting is I’ve never done this before. I’ve never hosted the Film Independent Spirit Awards. And I’m such a fan of independent film, and I’ve never hosted an awards show before. And so it’ll be a completely new experience, a new endeavor, and just the newness of that is going to energize and invigorate me. I’ve had just a blast preparing for it so far. I’ve gotten to write with two friends, Patrick McDonald and Asha Ward. That’s been really enjoyable, and so we’ll get to see what happens on Sunday, kind of like everybody else tuning in, honestly. We’ll see.
Totally.
Yeah.
How much prep work goes into something like this? Is it weeks or months?
For me, just months. I mean, I don’t know that it’s months of preparation. You know, Matt, honestly, today’s February 10th, and I’m right where I am…My schedule is so all over the place that I couldn’t tell you exactly how long we’ve been preparing for this. That’s honestly the truth, but just know we’ve been preparing it, doing our part, and hope people enjoy it as much as we’ve enjoyed preparing it.
And you mentioned two of the writers that you’ve collaborated with on this. Are there any other key collaborators who have been integral to the process for you?
Really excited to work with Patrick and Asha on this. As far as what else is happening in the show, Film Independent has been incredibly supportive, helpful, and encouraging. That team is phenomenal. So, as far as my part of the show and my hosting, Patrick, Asha, and I have been in the lab together cooking up some good stuff for you all this Sunday.
You know, a lot of people would say that if this were broadcast on television, the ratings would be the measure of success. I’m curious, what will be the measuring stick of success for you when this endeavor is completed?
Did I have fun? That’s the criteria.
I love that. So, if for any reason it isn’t fun for you but we, as an audience, have fun, does that offset any feelings you may have that we’re not privy to?
I don’t think there’s a world in which the audience has fun, that I don’t have fun. I don’t think it works that way, at least.
Well, I guess I was just thinking there could always be something happening behind the scenes that the audience doesn’t know about, which could add stress and pressure on the show’s host, directors, and producers. But in any event, though, you’re right. I think that’s the best attitude to have. If you’re having a blast, there’s a good chance we are, too.
Exactly.
Awards hosting is typically a gig many entertainers envision themselves doing. Still, it seems like a tough job that not many want to actually take on, specifically with the Oscars. I don’t know if it’s because of fear of what the celebrities in the room will think or of press reactions, but there seems to be a stigma against hosting awards shows in general.
I’m not privy to the stigma.
Okay.
I have to say, I’m just super excited to do this. I’m pumped to host the Spirit Awards, and if there is any stigma in the industry about hosting awards shows, that’s news to me. I mean, I’m sure everyone has their preferences, but as far as I’m concerned, this offer came in, and I was so thrilled to do it that it was an immediate and definite yes on my end. So, that’s the only thing I can speak to.
Well, it sounds like you’ve got a great spirit heading into this, which is appropriate considering the type of show that we have coming up before us. And I’m really excited. I’ll be there in person. I can’t wait to hear your opening and any other surprises that you have in store for us. Is there anything else that you want to leave us on here before we go?
I think we have so many great nominees being honored this year, and I feel really honored to be part of the night. I’m excited for people to tune in and eagerto see talented, great people be acknowledged for their extraordinary work. When all is said and done, I’m just really honored to be a part of this.
Well, we’re really happy to have you. Thank you so much for your time here. Once again, I really appreciate it.
Thanks, Matt.
The full list of this year’s Spirit Award nominees can be read here. For over 40 years, Film Independent has helped filmmakers get their projects made and seen. The nonprofit organization’s core mission is to champion creative independence in visual storytelling in all its forms and foster a culture of inclusion, in support of a global community of artists and audiences who embody diversity, innovation, curiosity and uniqueness of vision.
You can follow Matt and hear more of his thoughts on the Oscars and Film on X @NextBestPicture
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