The Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female was an award presented annually by Film Independent. It is given in honor of an actress who has delivered an absolutely outstanding performance in a supporting role while working in an

independent film An independent film, independent movie, indie film, or indie movie is a feature film or short film that is produced outside the major film studio system, in addition to being produced and distributed by independent entertainment companies (or, i ...

.It was first presented in 1985 with

Anjelica Huston Anjelica Huston ( ; born July 8, 1951) is an American actress and director. Known for often portraying eccentric and distinctive characters, she has received multiple accolades, including an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award, as well as no ...

being the first recipient of the award for her role as Gretta Conroy in ''

The Dead The Dead may refer to: * The dead, those who have experienced death Arts, entertainment, and media Literature * ''The Dead'' (Higson novel), 2010 novel by Charlie Higson * ''The Dead'' (Kracht novel), 2016 novel by Christian Kracht * "The Dead ...

''. It was last presented in 2022 with Ruth Negga being the final recipient of the award for her role in ''

Passing Passing may refer to: Social identity * Passing (sociology), presenting oneself as a member of another sociological group ** Passing (gender), presenting oneself as being cisgender ** Passing (racial identity), presenting oneself as a member ...

''. In 2022, it was announced that the four acting categories would be retired and replaced with two gender neutral categories, with both Best Supporting Male and Best Supporting Female merging into the Best Supporting Performance category. Since its inception, the award has been given to 33 actresses. With 3 nominations, Allison Janney is the most nominated female in this category (finally winning one for her performance in '' I, Tonya''). Dianne Wiest, Penélope Cruz, Mo'Nique, Lupita Nyong'o, Patricia Arquette, Allison Janney, Regina King and

Yuh-jung Youn Youn Yuh-jung (, ; born June 19, 1947) is a South Korean actress, whose career in film and television spans over five decades. Her accolades include an Academy Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a British Academy Film Award, an Independent Spir ...

are the only actresses to have won both this award and the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress the same year.

Winners and nominees

Actress, Elizabeth Pena at the 2009 East Classic Theater Fundraiser

Amy Adams UK Nocturnal Animals Premiere (cropped)

Mo'Nique attending the 82nd Academy Awards 2010

Shailene Woodley March 18, 2014 (cropped)

1980s

1990s

2000s

2010s

2020s

Multiple nominees

;3 nominations * Allison Janney ;2 nominations *

Cate Blanchett Catherine Elise Blanchett (; born 14 May 1969) is an Australian actor. Regarded as one of the finest performers of her generation, she is known for her versatile work across independent films, blockbusters, and the stage. She has received nu ...

Jessica Chastain Jessica Michelle Chastain (born March 24, 1977) is an American actress and producer. Known for primarily starring in films with feminist themes, she has received various accolades, including an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award. ''Time'' ...

* Patricia Clarkson *

Rosemarie DeWitt Rosemarie Braddock DeWitt (born October 26, 1971) is an American actress. DeWitt played Emily Lehman in the Fox television series '' Standoff'' (2006–07), co-starring with her future husband Ron Livingston, as well as Charmaine Craine on ''Unit ...

* Melonie Diaz * Marcia Gay Harden *

* Jennifer Jason Leigh *

Jennifer Lopez Jennifer Lynn Affleck (' Lopez; born July 24, 1969), also known as J.Lo, is an American singer, actress and dancer. In 1991, she began appearing as a Fly Girl dancer on the sketch comedy television series ''In Living Color'', where she rema ...

* Amy Madigan * Frances McDormand *

Chloë Sevigny Chloë Stevens Sevigny (, born November 18, 1974) is an American actress, model, filmmaker and fashion designer. Known for her work in independent films, often appearing in controversial or experimental features, Sevigny is the recipient of se ...

* Lili Taylor * Mare Winningham

References

External links

Every BEST SUPPORTING FEMALE winner ever video on the official Film Independent YouTube channel
{{DEFAULTSORT:Independent Spirit Award For Best Supporting Female Female, Supp Film awards for supporting actress