Movie Unbiased introduced the winners of its three Rising Filmmaker Awards at its annual Spirit Awards Nominee Brunch on Saturday. Winners for the remaining classes are set to be introduced on Feb. 22.

Opening remarks have been delivered by Brenda Robinson, chair of the board at Movie Unbiased, who remembered the group’s late president Josh Welsh throughout her speech.

Welsh died on Dec. 31 after a five-year battle with colon most cancers.

Robinson mentioned, “We’re handing out lots of free hugs this week.” She went on to say, “We’re in fairly a second as we speak, and I’m so grateful to be surrounded by such an exquisite group of individuals, our great workers and management and board. This has been every week of introspection for me and so many people.”

“Anora” stars Mikey Madison and Mark Eidelstein, “The Substance” star Demi Moore, RaMell Ross whose movie “Nickel Boys” was named greatest image by the Nationwide Society of Movie Critics winner have been among the many stars and nominees in attendance as Robinson requested the room to affix her in a spherical of applause. “I’m going to ask you to do one thing now for me. I wish to elevate up Josh. I wish to give him that reward. I wish to nonetheless really feel that power. In the event you might be a part of me in a spherical of applause, a standing ovation of cheers.”

The room joined Robinson in remembering and celebrating Walsh.

The Rising Filmmaker Awards have been then offered by “The Morning Present” star Karen Pittman.

Sarah Friedland earned the Somebody to Watch Award for her directorial work on “Acquainted Contact.” Nicholas Colia and Pham Thien An have been acknowledged as finalists on this class for “Griffin in Summer time” and “Contained in the Yellow Cocoon Shell,” respectively.

Rachel Elizabeth Seed was named the recipient of the More true Than Fiction Award for “Photographic Reminiscence,” with Julian Courageous NoiseCat and Emily Kassie honored as finalists for “Sugarcane” and Carla Gutiérrez as a finalist for “Frida.”

Sarah Winshall nabbed the Producers Award. Alex Coco and Zoë Value have been finalists on this similar class.

The Movie Unbiased Spirit Awards, now in its fortieth yr, will probably be hosted by former “Saturday Evening Stay” star Aidy Bryant.