Founded in 1984, the awards were originally known as the FINDIE ("Friends of Independents") Awards. In 1986, the awards were renamed the Independent Spirit Awards. It was also the first time the membership voted on the winners.
Over the past 22 years, Film Independent's Spirit Awards has grown into a vanguard event held as a luncheon on the beach in Santa Monica. The Awards ceremony brings together the entire film community to celebrate the best of independent film.
 

Since 2001 Greg Brunton has designed the lighting for Film Independent's Independent Spirit Awards, the premier awards event for the independent film community. Hosted in a white tent at Santa Monica beach, the award show is a unique celebration of the spirited pioneers who bring their vision to filmmaking. Currently in its 21st year, the show is as original as the films and filmmakers it honors.

The Independent Spirit Awards ceremony also brings together the top talent from independent film and Hollywood. Trophies are presented for the years' best achievements in independent film, with statues awarded for Best First Feature and Best Feature made for under $500,000 (the John Cassavetes Award), and many more.

Winners are chosen by those in the know: Film Independent members, with voting privileges extended to IFP members. Voters attend nominee screenings and view nominated films through Netflix before selecting the Independent Spirit Awards winners.