Spirit Awards Brunch Gets Emotional Due to Josh Welsh’s Death: “We Are in a Period of Mourning”

Image from The Hollywood Reporter

• Film Independent board chair Brenda Robinson paid tribute to Welsh, who died of colon cancer just days before the event, saying 'we are in a period of mourning' and asking the star-studded crowd to give him a standing ovation.
• Three $25,000 unrestricted grants were announced, honoring emerging producers Sarah Winshall, documentary filmmaker Rachel Elizabeth Seed, and first-time narrative director Sarah Friedland, who noted the award may help her 'emerge' from the ranks of 'emerging filmmakers'.