The honor is given to an individual “who exemplifies outstanding artistic achievement and embodies Film Independent’s mission to nurture and support creative independence in visual storytelling.”
Past chairs include Angela Bassett, Jeremy Renner, Salma Hayek, Halle Berry, Tom Cruise, Benicio Del Toro, Robert Duvall, Jodie Foster, Danny Glover, Harvey Keitel, Nicole Kidman, Ang Lee, Julianne Moore, Martin Scorsese and John Travolta.
Film Independent has also selected Michael Pena to host the Spirit Awards Nominee Brunch on Jan. 10 at Boa in West Hollywood, where he will announce Film Independent’s grant winners.
The 30th Spirit Awards will take place on Feb. 21, the day before the Oscars, on the beach in Santa Monica.