The morning before Oscar Sunday, the Film Independent Spirit Awards celebrate the best of films that are independently produced and made outside of the typical “Hollywood” studio system.

Many films honored this year were largely ignored by the Academy – including The Farewell, Uncut Gems, Booksmart, and Honey Boy to name a few – but that made their presence here all the more special. Despite their countries of origin, budgets, and talent attached, all of the films recognized at the Spirit Awards have one thing in common: they all embody diversity, innovation, and uniqueness of vision.