2026 Independent Spirit Awards Winners: ‘Train Dreams’ and ‘Adolescence’ Lead

Los Angeles, CA – The 41st annual Film Independent Spirit Awards were presented on Sunday, February 15, 2026, celebrating the best in independent film and television. Train Dreams and Adolescence emerged as the biggest winners of the night, highlighting a year of compelling independent storytelling.

Key Winners

Train Dreams dominated the film categories, securing three awards including Best Feature, Best Director for Clint Bentley, and Best Cinematography for Adolpho Veloso. Adolescence was the standout winner in television, taking home four awards – the most for any television show since the Spirit Awards began recognizing the medium in 2021.

Film Awards

• Best Feature: Train Dreams (Netflix)
• Best Director: Clint Bentley, Train Dreams (Netflix)
• Best Screenplay: Eva Victor, Sorry, Baby (A24)
• Best First Feature: Lurker (MUBI)
• Best First Screenplay: Alex Russell, Lurker (MUBI)
• John Cassavetes Award: Esta Isla (This Island)
• Best Breakthrough Performance: Kayo Martin, The Plague
• Best Supporting Performance: Naomi Ackie, Sorry, Baby (A24)
• Best Lead Performance: Rose Byrne, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You (A24)
• Robert Altman Award: The Long Walk (Lionsgate) – Francis Lawrence (Director), Rich Delia (Casting Director), and ensemble cast
• Best Cinematography: Adolpho Veloso, Train Dreams (Netflix)
• Best Editing: Sofía Subercaseaux, The Testament of Ann Lee (Searchlight Pictures)
• Best International Film: The Secret Agent (NEON)
• Best Documentary: The Perfect Neighbor (Netflix)
• Someone to Watch Award: Tatti Ribeiro, Valentina
• Truer Than Fiction Award: Rajee Samarasinghe, Your Touch Makes Others Invisible
• Producers Award: Tony Yang

Television Awards

• Best New Scripted Series: Adolescence (Netflix)
• Best New Non-Scripted or Documentary Series: Pee-wee as Himself (HBO Max)
• Best Breakthrough Performance in a New Scripted Series: Owen Cooper, Adolescence (Netflix)
• Best Supporting Performance in a New Scripted Series: Erin Doherty, Adolescence (Netflix)
• Best Lead Performance in a New Scripted Series: Stephen Graham, Adolescence (Netflix)
• Best Ensemble Cast in a New Scripted Series: Chief of War (Apple TV)

About the Spirit Awards

The Film Independent Spirit Awards are Film Independent’s largest annual celebration, supporting year-round programming for filmmakers and film-loving audiences. The awards amplify the voices of independent storytellers and celebrate their diversity, originality, and unique vision. The ceremony, hosted by Ego Nwodim, was broadcast live on Film Independent’s and IMDb’s YouTube channels.

Film Independent, the nonprofit organization behind the awards, has been fostering independence and inclusivity in visual storytelling for over 40 years. Their programs include Artist Development initiatives, grants, labs, mentorship programs like Project Involve, and educational events.