The 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards arrived with a relaxed intensity that felt like a real celebration of storytellers who work outside the studio system, bringing films and series to life that might otherwise get lost in the noise. Held at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles on February 15, this was the 41st edition of the ceremony and it gathered actors, directors, writers, crews and style makers in a way few other events do.
By the time the envelopes opened and the trophies were claimed, Train Dreams stood out as the big film winner, taking home Best Feature along with awards for direction and other honors that marked it as a defining independent work of the year. Clint Bentley’s directing win for the film underscored just how much attention his vision has commanded this season.
The TV categories belonged to Adolescence, which swept every one of its nominations, including performance honors for Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty and Breakthrough accolades for Owen Cooper.
Documentaries and international films found their rightful places on the winners’ roster too, with The Perfect Neighbor taking Best Documentary and Brazil’s The Secret Agent winning Best International Feature.
Rosé Byrne captured Best Lead Performance for her work in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, a role that has been gathering acclaim across the awards circuit. Naomi Ackie won Best Supporting Performance in Sorry, Baby while Sofía Subercaseaux walked off with Best Editing for The Testament of Ann Lee.
It was Ego Nwodim hosting, and her presence helped keep the show warm and conversational as winners took the mic, thanked their teams and talked honestly about why independent work matters in an age dominated by big-budget franchises and streaming giants.
Nina Dobrev turned heads in a strapless rose printed Carolina Herrera gown that rested on a bright yellow base and exploded with painterly floral shapes. The dress hugged at the bodice and floated at the hem, giving her a presence that felt fresh rather than overly styled. She kept accessories minimal, letting the gown do the talking.
Rose Byrne, fresh from her win, wore a playful Loewe gown with vibrant ruffles at the shoulders and hips. The cut-outs and mix of color added a relaxed yet artful dimension to her look, reflecting the creative spirit she brought to her performance.
There was a studied joy in color on the carpet. Wunmi Mosaku chose a vivid monocromatic yellow Aquamaia dress that glowed under the lights. Regina King’s Etro ensemble played with pattern and hue in a way that felt confident and unforced.
Kirsten Dunst opted for a Valentino piece that married boho floral ease with architectural tailoring. Keke Palmer delighted in a vintage Christian Dior bustier gown from the early 2000s, bringing a touch of fashion history into the moment.
Kaia Gerber kept things crisp and minimal in a textured black dress that blended lace and mesh in a way that felt deliberate and clean. Tessa Thompson’s sheer Collina Strada outfit made a statement without shouting, and Zoey Deutch’s Valentino choice offered classic lines with a modern feel. Dylan O’Brien eased into a navy Dior jacket with a leather collar, a nod to relaxed menswear with quiet refinement.
Eyes were drawn not just to clothing but beauty choices too. Soft, summer-like waves lent a sun-kissed vibe to several stars. Kate Hudson’s beachy waves and soft makeup looked effortless, while Regina King played with pops of green eyeliner and peach nails that felt celebratory and bold. Others opted for nudes or classic red lips, showing that the aesthetic range at the event was as wide as the list of winners.
The crowd itself was worth watching. Familiar faces like Issa Rae, Eva Victor, Rebecca Hall and Keke Palmer moved through the space with ease, breaking quickly into conversation at one moment and sharing laughter at another. Some were presenters, others were nominees, and there was a genuine feeling of community in the air.
The films and television shows honored that night reflect a range of voices and stories that might not exist without the independent world.
And as the lights dimmed on the Hollywood Palladium stage and guests moved toward the night’s after-parties, the energy lingered in the conversations, outfits and applause of a group gathered not just to reward art but to champion it, at the 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards.
