The 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards have been presented, with “Train Dreams” and “Adolescence” emerging as the biggest winners of the night. The period drama, “Train Dreams,” secured three wins from its four nominations, while the psychological crime drama series, “Adolescence,” achieved a clean sweep, winning all four awards for which it was nominated. The awards, which honor independent filmmaking, were presented on Sunday, February 15, 2026, recognizing outstanding achievements in both film and television.
The success of both “Train Dreams” and “Adolescence” highlights a strong year for independent storytelling, showcasing both cinematic artistry and compelling narrative series. The Spirit Awards are known for championing unique voices and innovative filmmaking, often serving as a launching pad for emerging talent and a celebration of risk-taking creativity. This year’s winners reflect that tradition, offering a diverse range of stories and perspectives.
Key Wins at the 2026 Spirit Awards
“Train Dreams” took home the coveted Best Feature award, alongside wins for Best Director, recognizing Clint Bentley’s work, and Best Cinematography, awarded to Adolpho Veloso. The film, a period piece, resonated with voters for its evocative storytelling and visual style. “Adolescence” dominated the television categories, winning Best New Scripted Series, Best Lead Performance for Stephen Graham, Best Supporting Performance for Erin Doherty, and Best Breakthrough Performance for Owen Cooper.
Beyond the top prizes, the awards recognized a wide array of talent. Rose Byrne was honored with Best Lead Performance for her role in “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” while Naomi Ackie received Best Supporting Performance for “Sorry, Baby.” Alex Russell’s screenplay for “Lurker” earned the award for Best First Screenplay, and Kayo Martin was recognized as Best Breakthrough Performance for their work in “The Plague.”
A Full List of Honorees
Here’s a complete rundown of the winners at the 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards:
- Best Feature: “Train Dreams”
- Best First Feature: “Lurker”
- John Cassavetes Award: “Esta Isla (This Island)”
- Best Director: Clint Bentley – “Train Dreams”
- Best Screenplay: Eva Victor – “Sorry, Baby”
- Best First Screenplay: Alex Russell – “Lurker”
- Best Lead Performance: Rose Byrne – “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You”
- Best Supporting Performance: Naomi Ackie – “Sorry, Baby”
- Best Breakthrough Performance: Kayo Martin – “The Plague”
- Best Documentary: “The Perfect Neighbor”
- Best International Film: “The Secret Agent”
- Best Editing: Sofía Subercaseaux – “The Testament of Ann Lee”
- Best Cinematography: Adolpho Veloso – “Train Dreams”
- Best New Scripted Series: “Adolescence”
- Best New Non-Scripted/Documentary Series: “Pee-wee as Himself”
- Best Lead Performance (Series): Stephen Graham – “Adolescence”
- Best Supporting Performance (Series): Erin Doherty – “Adolescence”
- Best Breakthrough Performance (Series): Owen Cooper – “Adolescence”
- Best Ensemble Cast in New Series: “Chief of War”
- Producers Award: Tony Yang
- Someone to Watch Award: Tatti Ribeiro, “Valentina”
- Truer Than Fiction Award: Rajee Samarsinghe, “Your Touch Makes Others Invisible”
The Producers Award went to Tony Yang, while Tatti Ribeiro was recognized with the Someone to Watch Award for “Valentina,” and Rajee Samarsinghe took home the Truer Than Fiction Award for “Your Touch Makes Others Invisible.” These awards spotlight emerging filmmakers with exceptional potential.
The Film Independent Spirit Awards continue to be a vital platform for celebrating independent film and television. As the industry evolves, these awards remain committed to recognizing and supporting the innovative storytellers who push creative boundaries. The success of films like “Train Dreams” and series like “Adolescence” demonstrates the enduring power of independent voices in shaping the landscape of entertainment.
Looking ahead, the recognition garnered by these award winners is likely to increase their visibility and reach wider audiences. The Spirit Awards often serve as a springboard for future projects and collaborations, and it will be engaging to see what these talented filmmakers and performers create next.
What are your thoughts on this year’s winners? Share your opinions in the comments below!