Indian cinema achieved another glorious moment when Girls Will Be Girls, a film produced by Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal, won big at the Independent Spirit Awards 2025.
Entertainment: Indian cinema celebrated a significant victory as Girls Will Be Girls, produced by Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal, won the prestigious John Cassavetes Award at the Independent Spirit Awards 2025. This win sets a new benchmark for Indian independent cinema. The award is presented to feature films with a budget under $1 million.
Indian Film Makes a Splash in Santa Monica
The ceremony, held on February 22nd in Santa Monica, California, honored independent films from around the world. Girls Will Be Girls triumphed in its category, beating b contenders like Big Boys, Ghostlight, Jazzy, and The People's Joker. This is the first film produced under Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal's production house, Pushing Buttons Studios.
Directed by Shuchi Talati, the film has already garnered significant international acclaim. It sensitively portrays women's independence, their struggles, and their position in society.
Kani Kusruti Misses Out on Best Supporting Performance Award
While the film also received a nomination in the Best Supporting Performance category for Kani Kusruti, she did not win. Nevertheless, Girls Will Be Girls' historic win represents a major achievement for Indian independent cinema. Payal Kapadia's highly acclaimed film, All We Imagine As Light, was also present at the awards ceremony.
This film was nominated in the Best International Film category but lost to the French film, Flow. Previously, it missed out on wins at the Golden Globe and BAFTA Awards. This victory has further enhanced the global recognition of Indian independent cinema. Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal expressed their delight, stating that this is an inspiring moment not just for them but for the entire Indian independent film industry.
Independent Spirit Awards 2025 Winners List
* Best Feature Film - Didi
* Best Director - Sean Baker (Anya)
* Best Screenplay - Sean Wang (Didi)
* Best Lead Performance in a Film - Mikey Madison (Anya)
* Best Breakthrough Performance in a Film - Maisie Stella (My Old S)
* Best Cinematography - Jomo Fra (Nickel Boys)
* Best Editing - Hansjörg Weissbrich (September 5)
* Robert Altman Award - His Three Daughters
* Best Documentary - No Other Land
* Best International Film - Flow
* Producers Award - Sara Winshel (I Saw the TV Glow)
* Someone to Watch Award - Rachel Elizabeth Seed (A Photographic Memory)
* Best New Non-Scripted or Documentary Series - Hollywood Black
* Best New Scripted Series - Shogun
* Best Lead Performance in New Scripted Series - Richard Gad (Baby Reindeer)
* Best Supporting Performance in New Scripted Series - Nawa Mau (Baby Reindeer)
* Best Breakthrough Performance in New Scripted Series - Jessica Gunning (Baby Reindeer)
* Best Ensemble Cast in New Scripted Series - How to Die Alone
