Feb. 8 (UPI) -- Saturday Night Live star Melissa Villaseñor will host the 2021 Film Independent Spirit Awards.
Film Independent announced in a press release Monday that Villaseñor, 33, will host the awards show in April.
Advertisement
Melissa Villaseñor will host the Film Independent Spirit Awards in April. File Photo by Christine Chew/UPI | License Photo
"As someone who considers herself a pretty dependent person, I'm truly honored to host the Film Independent Spirit Awards," Villaseñor said in a statement.
The Film Independent Spirit Awards recognize independent filmmakers and serve as Film Independent's primary fundraiser for its programs, which cultivate the careers of emerging filmmakers and promote diversity and inclusion in the film industry.
"We're thrilled to welcome Melissa Villaseñor into the club of smart, funny film lovers to host the Spirit Awards. The time to laugh has definitely arrived, and not a moment too soon," Film Independent president Josh Welsh said.
"Melissa and the unique circumstances of now will make this year's ceremony like no other," IFC and Sundance TV executive director Blake Callaway added. "It will certainly be a departure from the past, but with Melissa, the chances of Dolly, Ariana Grande, Bjork, Gwen Stefani, Julie Andrews and Lady Gaga showing up have skyrocketed."
Advertisement
Past Spirit Awards hosts include Aubrey Plaza, Nick Kroll and John Mulaney, Kate McKinnon and Kumail Nanjiani, and Fred Armisen and Kristen Bell.
Villaseñor came to fame in America's Got Talent Season 6. She joined SNL in 2016 and is the show's first-ever Latina cast member.
The Film Independent Spirit Awards will take place April 22 and air on IFC at 10 p.m. EST. This year's nominations were announced in January and include First Cow, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Minari, Never Rarely Sometimes Always and Nomadland.
