The 41st Film Independent Spirit Awards honored indie films and TV on February 15 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles. Train Dreams won best feature, director, and cinematography, while Netflix's Adolescence claimed four television awards. Hosted by Ego Nwodim, the ceremony marked the event's first at the new venue.
The 41st annual Film Independent Spirit Awards took place on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium, shifting from its traditional Santa Monica beach location at Barker Hangar due to preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. SNL alum Ego Nwodim hosted the afternoon ceremony, which recognized achievements in independent film and television from the past year.
Train Dreams emerged as a top winner, securing best feature for producers Michael Heimler, Will Janowitz, Marissa McMahon, Ashley Schlaifer, and Teddy Schwarzman; best director for Clint Bentley; and best cinematography for Adolpho Veloso. Bentley described the film as about "all the small lives that keep the world going" and credited indie films with "putting goodness into the world" amid challenging times.
Sorry, Baby also triumphed with best screenplay for Eva Victor, who noted she could only make the film "independently," and best supporting performance for Naomi Ackie. Rose Byrne won best lead performance for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, stating the character "could only exist in an indie film." Lurker claimed best first feature and best first screenplay for Alex Russell, who compared indie risks to a scene from Ratatouille.
In television, Netflix's Adolescence dominated with best new scripted series for creators Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham; best lead performance for Stephen Graham; best supporting performance for Erin Doherty; and best breakthrough performance for Owen Cooper. Other film winners included best documentary for The Perfect Neighbor, directed by Geeta Gandbhir, and best international film for Brazil's The Secret Agent, directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho.
The event, now positioned mid-awards season, streamed live on YouTube via IMDb and Film Independent channels. Last year's winner Anora repeated its success at the Oscars, suggesting potential for this year's honorees on March 15.
