Piaget, Lincoln And IFC To Serve As Premier Sponsors Of The 2014 Film Independent Spirit Awards

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Film Independent, the nonprofit arts organization that produces the Spirit Awards, the Film Independent at LACMA Film Series and Los Angeles Film Festival, announced its sponsors for the 2014 Film Independent Spirit Awards, which will be held in a tent at Santa Monica beach on Saturday, March 1, 2014. The Film Independent Spirit Awards is sponsored by Premier Sponsors Piaget, the Lincoln Motor Company and IFC and by Principal Sponsors Stella Artois and Experian. Unilever Project Sunlight is the Official Sponsor of the Live Arrivals Show streamed exclusively on Yahoo and additional sponsors include Skype, LensCrafters and Kiehl's Since 1851. Dark Horse is the Official Wine Sponsor, WireImage is the Official Photographer and PR Newswire is the Official Breaking News Service of Film Independent. Water is provided by Fiji Water and tequila by Patron Tequila. Digital broadcast support is provided by TV Pro Gear. 

As previously announced, the awards ceremony will premiere later that evening at 10:00 pm ET/PT exclusively on IFC, with writer, actor and comedian Patton Oswalt serving as host of the ceremony.

For the seventh consecutive year, Piaget is proud to be a premier sponsor of the Film Independent Spirit Awards. Once again, the luxury Swiss watchmaker and jeweler will present the Piaget Producers Award in recognition of outstanding creative vision and achievement. Piaget will continue to host its exclusive backstage VIP lounge, where the event's most celebrated artists retreat to relax amidst a wonderful display of Piaget's newest high jewelry creations and exceptional timepieces.

For the second year, the Lincoln Motor Company is proud to be the official automotive sponsor of the Spirit Awards and celebrate the finest achievements in filmmaking, inventive storytelling and the independent spirit of individuals marking their own paths. For the people who spend most of their days on film sets or in editing rooms, Lincoln is turning the spotlight behind the scenes to honor those who make quality films possible. Lincoln invites viewers of the Awards to visit the Lincoln Lounge and Gallery to explore the personal stories of the gaffers, cinematographers, assistant directors, and makeup artists who have worked tirelessly to create the independent films being recognized this year. Throughout 2014, Lincoln will build upon its long-standing relationship with film by continuing to support and encourage innovative ideas and projects that echo the brand's 90-year heritage.

Stella Artois is proud to be the official beer sponsor of the Film Independent Spirit Awards for the fourth year. Stella Artois is a longtime supporter of independent film and film festivals across the country and around the world. This year, Spirit Awards guests, 21 and older, will have the opportunity to enjoy a Stella Artois. Stella Artois is part of a Belgian brewing tradition dating back to 1366. It is the number one Belgian beer in the world and is present in more than 80 countries. Stella Artois is best enjoyed served in its signature Chalice, which, together with the 9-Step Pouring Ritual, provides the best possible drinking experience. Perfectly poured and presented, Stella Artois is crisp, clean and full-flavored. Visit www.stellaartois.com for more information.

Unilever is partnering with the Film Independent Spirit Awards for the first time, as the Arrivals Show sponsor. Its recently-launched Unilever Project Sunlight initiative aims to build momentum behind a growing community of people who believe it is possible to build a world where everyone lives well and lives sustainably, without compromising the needs of future generations. At this year's awards show, Unilever Project Sunlight will be reporting from the "yellow carpet," where attendees will share their vision for creating a bright future; the interviews will be live streamed on movies.yahoo.com/spirit-awards/ on March 1 from 11:00am PST/2:00pm EST to 1:30pm PST/4:30pm EST. Unilever Project Sunlight is also creating the first-ever Bright Future Award, recognizing a filmmaker whose work motivates individuals to take action to create a better world. Unilever is one of the world's leading suppliers of Food, Home and Personal Care brands with products found in seven out of 10 homes around the world and used by two billion people daily. Visit www.projectsunlight.us for more information about how Unilever, which includes brands like Dove, Suave, Lipton and Hellmann's, is using its global scale to make a big difference.

Skype is thrilled to be back at the Film Independent Spirit Awards again this year connecting the show to those who can't make it to the beach! Skype is for doing things together, whenever people are apart. Its text, voice and video function make it simple to share experiences with the people that matter most, wherever they are. Skype can be used on whatever device works best,* including a mobile devices, laptops, tablets and even on select TVs. It's free to get started and if friends and family are using Skype, users can speak, see and instant message them on Skype at no cost. Skype Credit also allows use of additional features, including the ability to call phones, access WiFi hotspots, make group video calls** and send texts. *Internet connection, compatible device and OS required. For more information see www.skype.com/download. ** Group video calls can be between 3 to 10 people, depending on device and connection speed. At least one person on the call needs to have a Skype Premium account.

LensCrafters, the leading optical retailer in North America, is a proud sponsor of the 2014 Film Independent Spirit Awards. Founded in 1983, LensCrafters currently operates over 900 stores in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. LensCrafters offers the best selection of the latest trends in eyewear from leading designer brands as well as incomparable personalized service from on-site doctors of optometry to a lens finishing laboratory. With a mission of helping people look and see their best, LensCrafters ensures you don't miss a single frame of your favorite film. From the opening scene to the closing credits, trust your eyes to LensCrafters.

Kiehl's Since 1851, the venerable New York-based purveyor of fine quality skin and hair care products, is proud to support the Spirit Awards by sponsoring the Someone To Watch Grant. The brand is honored to be a part of this event, highlighting the talented filmmakers and actors that work within the community. As a supporter of the Spirit Awards Kiehl's will host a pop-up experience and photo-booth for attendees to partake in, and Kiehl's products will also be featured for guests to enjoy.

Dark Horse Wine is proud to be the official wine of the Film Independent Spirit Awards. This new, exceptionally great-tasting, globally sourced wine will be served throughout the Spirit Awards, including on the red carpet, backstage and on tables. Beth Liston, the winemaker for Dark Horse, believes winemaking is a treasure hunt. She marshals the best agricultural resources and winemaking expertise from around the world to deliver the unexpected: bold wines at a winning price. Dark Horse: Be Bold. DarkHorseWine.com/@DarkHorseWine

Yahoo is the official online partner of the 2014 Spirit Awards and the exclusive distributor or the Live Arrivals Show on Saturday, March 1st at 11:00am PST / 2:00pm EST. You can view pre- and post-show coverage of the Spirit Awards at http://movies.yahoo.com/spirit-awards.

And the award for highest quality ultra-premium spirits goes to…The Patrón Spirits Company. Patrón is proud to support the Film Independent Spirit Awards and showcase its portfolio at the event, including bottles of Patrón Silver tequila and Patrón XO Cafe coffee liqueur at each table, as well as a "tasting wall" to sample inventive cocktails, and a bloody maria bar. Simply Perfect in every way, Patrón tequila is an ultra-premium luxury white spirit that's delicious on the rocks, and mixes flawlessly into most any cocktail. From the highest-quality Weber Blue agave plants grown in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, to the centuries-old distillation process, to the handcrafted glass bottles, Patrón is produced with unparalleled attention to detail. Brands in the Patrón portfolio include Gran Patrón Burdeos, Gran Patrón Piedra, Gran Patrón Platinum, Patrón Silver, Patrón Reposado, Patrón Anejo, Patrón XO Cafe, Patrón XO Cafe Dark Cocoa, and Patrón Citrónge (extra fine orange liqueur), as well as Pyrat Caribbean rums, and Ultimat ultra-premium vodka.

FIJI® Water, natural artesian water bottled at the source in Viti Levu (Fiji islands), is the No. 1 imported bottled water in the United States. FIJI Water, known for its iconic square bottle, soft mouth feel and unique mineral profile, is the water of choice among discerning consumers and top chefs.  Widely available at fine restaurants and hotels, all major retail channels and through a convenient home/business delivery service, FIJI Water has expanded globally to more than 50 countries. Part of the Roll Global LLC family of companies, FIJI Water supports environmental efforts around the world and in our own backyard through our membership in 1% for the Planet. To discover Earth's Finest Water, please visit www.fijiwater.com, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.

On 3 Productions, the leader in customized gifting experiences backstage at the entertainment industry's most prestigious events, returns to produce the Official Presenter Gift Lounge.

ABOUT THE FILM INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARDS
Now in its 29th year, the Film Independent Spirit Awards is an annual celebration honoring artist-driven films made with an economy of means by filmmakers who embody independence and originality. The Spirit Awards recognizes the achievements of American independent filmmakers and promotes the finest independent films of the year to a wider audience. The winners of the Spirit Awards are voted upon by Film Independent and IFP Members. Awards are given in the following categories: Best Feature, Best First Feature, Best First Screenplay, Best Director, Best Screenplay, John Cassavetes Award (given to the best feature made for a budget under $500,000), Best Male Lead, Best Female Lead, Best Supporting Male, Best Supporting Female, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and the Robert Altman Award, Best International Film, and Best Documentary. The Filmmaker Grants include the Piaget Producers Award, the Stella Artois Truer Than Fiction Award, the Bright Future Awards, sponsored by Unilever Project Sunlight and the Kiehl's Someone to Watch Award.

For more information about the Spirit Awards, please visit SpiritAwards.com.

ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT
Film Independent is a nonprofit arts organization that champions independent film and supports a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation, and uniqueness of vision. Film Independent helps filmmakers make their movies, builds an audience for their projects, and works to diversify the film industry. Film Independent's Board of Directors, filmmakers, staff, and constituents, is comprised of an inclusive community of individuals across ability, age, ethnicity, gender, race, and sexual orientation. Anyone passionate about film can become a member, whether you are a filmmaker, industry professional, or a film lover.

Film Independent produces the Spirit Awards, the annual celebration honoring artist-driven films and recognizing the finest achievements of American independent filmmakers, as well as the Los Angeles Film Festival, celebrating its 20th anniversary of showcasing the best of American and international cinema. Film Independent also produces the Film Independent at LACMA Film Series, a year-round, weekly program that offers unique cinematic experiences for the Los Angeles creative community and the general public.

With over 250 annual screenings and events, Film Independent provides access to a network of like-minded artists who are driving creativity in the film industry. Film Independent's Artist Development program offers free Labs for selected writers, directors, producers and documentary filmmakers and presents year-round networking opportunities. Project Involve is Film Independent's signature program dedicated to fostering the careers of talented filmmakers from communities traditionally underrepresented in the film industry.

For more information or to become a member, visit FilmIndependent.org.

SOURCE Film Independent