The 4th Independent Spirit Awards, honoring the best in independent filmmaking for 1988, were announced on March 25, 1989 at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles. It was hosted by Buck Henry.
Edward James Olmos, Best Male Lead winner
Jodie Foster, Best Female Lead winner
The Film Independent's Spirit Award for Best Director is one of the annual Independent Spirit Awards.
The 2025 recipient: Clint Bentley
Joel Coen won twice, for Blood Simple (1985) and Fargo (1996).
Oliver Stone won for Platoon (1986).
Robert Altman won for Short Cuts.