Independent Spirit Awards Unveil 2026 Nominees, Celebrating Bold Voices in Film and Television
The independent film and television landscape is buzzing with excitement as the 41st Independent Spirit Awards have announced their comprehensive list of nominees for 2026. Renowned for championing groundbreaking storytelling, diverse perspectives, and visionary artistry that often operates outside the traditional studio system, the Spirit Awards serve as a crucial barometer for the most compelling work of the year. This year’s selections underscore a vibrant period for independent creators, showcasing a rich tapestry of narratives that challenge, entertain, and provoke thought across both the big and small screens.
The nominations, revealed ahead of the anticipated ceremony, highlight both established indie darlings and a wave of fresh talent poised to leave an indelible mark. From deeply personal dramas to genre-bending thrillers and incisive documentaries, the breadth of nominated projects reflects the Spirit Awards’ enduring commitment to celebrating the unique and often audacious spirit of independent production. As the industry looks towards a future shaped by innovative voices, these nominees stand as a testament to the power of artistic freedom and the enduring appeal of stories told with authenticity and passion.
A Deep Dive into the Film Nominations
The film categories, always at the heart of the Spirit Awards, present a compelling lineup across various disciplines, emphasizing the collaborative nature of filmmaking and the individual brilliance that drives it. The selections this year signal a strong showing for character-driven narratives, bold directorial visions, and scripts that resonate with contemporary audiences.
Best Feature
The race for Best Feature is particularly competitive, showcasing five films that exemplify the pinnacle of independent cinematic achievement. Each nominee brings a distinct artistic vision to the forefront, pushing boundaries in storytelling and execution. “Peter Hujar’s Day,” produced by Jonah Disend and Jordan Drake, hints at a nuanced character study, likely drawing inspiration from the life or work of the enigmatic photographer. “The Plague,” with its impressive roster of producers including Derek Dauchy, Joel Edgerton, Roy Lee, Lucy McKendrick, Steven Schneider, and Lizzie Shapiro, suggests a project with significant backing and potential for broad appeal within the indie sphere, perhaps a suspenseful or thought-provoking thriller. “Sorry, Baby,” guided by producers Mark Ceryak, Barry Jenkins, and Adele Romanski, carries the pedigree of acclaimed filmmakers known for their sensitive and impactful storytelling, promising a deeply emotional experience. “Train Dreams,” produced by Michael Heimler, Will Janowitz, Marissa McMahon, Ashley Schlaifer, and Teddy Schwarzman, evokes a sense of sweeping Americana or a poignant journey. Finally, “Twinless,” produced by David Permut and James Sweeney, suggests an intimate narrative, perhaps exploring themes of identity, loss, or connection, often fertile ground for independent cinema.
Best First Feature
The Spirit Awards have long been a launching pad for new directorial talent, and the Best First Feature category continues this tradition. Constance Tsang’s “Blue Sun Palace,” produced by Sally Sujin Oh, Eli Raskin, and Tony Yang, is an anticipated debut. Bryan Fuller, a celebrated name in television, makes his feature directorial and producing debut with “Dust Bunny,” co-produced by Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, marking a significant crossover. Kate Beecroft’s “East of Wall,” which she also directed and produced alongside Shannon Moss, Melanie Ramsayer, and Lila Yacoub, signifies a fresh voice emerging from the independent circuit. Alex Russell’s “Lurker” boasts an extensive list of producers including Galen Core, Archie Madekwe, Marc Marrie, Charlie McDowell, Francesco Melzi D’Eril, Duncan Montgomery, Alex Orlovsky, Olmo Schnabel, and Jack Selby, indicating a collaborative and ambitious undertaking. Lawrence Lamont’s “One of Them Days,” produced by a powerful team including Deniese Davis, Poppy Hanks, James Lopez, Issa Rae, and Sara Rastogi, brings a strong narrative presence to the forefront, benefiting from the support of industry stalwarts.
John Cassavetes Award
A cornerstone of the Spirit Awards, the John Cassavetes Award honors films made for under $1 million, embodying the true spirit of independent filmmaking – creativity born from constraint. Jay Duplass, known for his mumblecore roots, directs, writes, and produces “The Baltimorons,” with Michael Strassner as writer/producer and David Bonnett Jr. and Drew Langer as producers, promising a raw, authentic narrative. Julian Glander’s “Boys Go to Jupiter,” where he serves as director and writer, is likely to be an idiosyncratic and visually distinctive project. “Eephus,” from director/writer/producer Carson Lund, with Michael Basta as writer/producer and Nate Fisher as writer, along with producers David Entin and Tyler Taormina, celebrates guerrilla filmmaking at its finest. Cristian Carretero and Lorraine Jones Molina’s “Esta Isla (This Island),” for which they also wrote and produced, alongside writer Kisha Tikina Burgos, offers a glimpse into a unique cultural perspective. Sarah Friedland’s “Familiar Touch,” where she directs, writes, and produces, with Alexandra Byer and Matthew Thurm as producers, rounds out a category that truly celebrates the ingenuity of micro-budget cinema.
Best Director
The directorial nominations reflect a diverse array of cinematic styles and thematic concerns. Clint Bentley for “Train Dreams” and Ira Sachs for “Peter Hujar’s Day” are recognized for their steady hands in guiding complex narratives. Mary Bronstein’s “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” and Eva Victor’s “Sorry, Baby” represent sharp, distinctive voices, possibly with a comedic or intensely dramatic edge. Lloyd Lee Choi’s “Lucky Lu” completes this impressive list, acknowledging the singular vision required to bring independent stories to life.
Best Screenplay & Best First Screenplay
The bedrock of any great film is its screenplay. Michael Angelo Covino and Kyle Marvin are nominated for “Splitsville,” suggesting a narrative built on intricate relationships or a journey of separation. Angus MacLachlan’s “A Little Prayer” and James Sweeney’s “Twinless” showcase character-driven writing. Christian Swegal’s “Sovereign” and Eva Victor’s second nomination for “Sorry, Baby” further highlight the strength of this year’s writing talent. The Best First Screenplay category introduces promising new writers: Constance Tsang for “Blue Sun Palace,” Andrew DeYoung for “Friendship,” Alex Russell for “Lurker,” Syreeta Singleton for “One of Them Days,” and Elena Oxman for “Outerlands,” each bringing fresh perspectives to the craft.
Performance Categories: Celebrating Acting Prowess
The Spirit Awards’ performance categories are known for recognizing raw, authentic talent, often spotlighting performances that might be overlooked by mainstream awards. This year’s nominations are no exception, featuring a blend of seasoned veterans and electrifying newcomers.
Best Lead Performance
The Best Lead Performance category is a star-studded affair, showcasing a diverse range of portrayals. Everett Blunck for “The Plague” and Kathleen Chalfant for “Familiar Touch” offer intriguing prospects. Rose Byrne earns a nod for “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” while Chang Chen is recognized for “Lucky Lu.” Joel Edgerton is nominated for “Train Dreams,” bringing his formidable presence to the indie circuit. Dylan O’Brien for “Twinless” and Théo Pellerin for “Lurker” represent rising stars. Keke Palmer, a powerhouse performer, is nominated for “One of Them Days,” signaling her continued artistic growth. Tessa Thompson is recognized for “Hedda,” a role likely demanding intense dramatic depth. Ben Whishaw rounds out this exceptional list for “Peter Hujar’s Day,” promising a captivating central performance.
Best Supporting Performance
Equally impressive is the Best Supporting Performance category. Naomi Ackie for “Sorry, Baby” and Zoey Deutch for “Nouvelle Vague” are recognized for their impactful contributions. Kirsten Dunst for “Roofman” and Rebecca Hall for “Peter Hujar’s Day” demonstrate their versatility. Nina Hoss for “Hedda” and Jane Levy for “A Little Prayer” deliver nuanced portrayals. Archie Madekwe for “Lurker,” Kali Reis for “Rebuilding,” and Jacob Tremblay for “Sovereign” showcase compelling supporting work. Haipeng Xu for “Blue Sun Palace” completes a category rich with talent that elevates their respective films.
Best Breakthrough Performance
This category is always a highlight, shining a light on actors making their significant mark. Liz Larsen for “The Baltimorons” and Kayo Martin for “The Plague” are exciting new faces. Misha Osherovich for “She’s the He” demonstrates a powerful emerging presence. A major talking point is the nomination of music superstar SZA for “One of Them Days,” marking a significant crossover into acting and underscoring her multifaceted talent. Tabatha Zimiga for “East of Wall” is another promising name to watch, completing a list that celebrates fresh and impactful debuts.
Craft Categories: The Artistry Behind the Lens
The Spirit Awards also honor the crucial artisans who shape the visual and auditory experience of independent film.
Best Cinematography
Norm Li for “Blue Sun Palace” and Nicole Hirsch Whitaker for “Dust Bunny” are recognized for their visual artistry. Alex Ashe for “Peter Hujar’s Day” and Adolpho Veloso for “Train Dreams” demonstrate exceptional skill in capturing mood and narrative through light and shadow. David J. Thompson for “Warfare” completes this category, acknowledging the power of the image in storytelling.
Best Editing
Carson Lund for “Eephus” and Ben Leonberg for “Good Boy” are nominated for their precise and impactful editing. Sara Shaw for “Splitsville” and Sofía Subercaseaux for “The Testament of Ann Lee” showcase the editor’s role in shaping narrative flow and pacing. Fin Oates for “Warfare” is also recognized, highlighting the unseen art of crafting a film’s rhythm.
Robert Altman Award
This special award celebrates a film’s director, casting director, and its ensemble cast, recognizing the collaborative spirit of filmmaking. “The Long Walk” is the deserving recipient, with Francis Lawrence as director and Rich Delia as casting director. The ensemble cast features an impressive lineup including Judy Greer, Mark Hamill, Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Tut Nyuot, Joshua Odjick, Charlie Plummer, Ben Wang, and Garrett Wareing, acknowledging the collective brilliance that brings a story to life.
Documentary and International Voices
The Spirit Awards extend their recognition to compelling non-fiction storytelling and cinema from around the globe.
Best Documentary
The documentary category features powerful narratives that explore diverse aspects of the human experience. Ryan White’s “Come See Me in the Good Light,” produced with Jessica Hargrave, Tig Notaro, and Stef Willen, promises an intimate and revealing look at its subject. “Endless Cookie,” directed by Peter and Seth Scriver, with producers Dan Bekerman, Alex Ordanis, Jason Ryle, and Chris Yurkovich, suggests an intriguing and perhaps unexpected journey. Julia Loktev’s “My Undesirable Friends: Part I – Last Air in Moscow,” which she also produced, offers a poignant and timely narrative. Geeta Gandbhir’s “The Perfect Neighbor,” produced with Sam Bisbee, Nikon Kwantu, and Alisa Payne, explores themes of community and human connection. Tamara Kotevska’s “The Tale of Silyan,” produced with Jean Dakar, Anna Hashmi, and Jordanco Petkovski, brings a unique perspective from an acclaimed filmmaker, promising a visually stunning and emotionally resonant piece.
Best International Film
Celebrating global cinema, this category brings together a selection of outstanding films from various corners of the world. Cherien Dabis’s “All That’s Left of You,” representing Palestine, Jordan, Germany, and Cyprus, explores cross-cultural narratives. Rungano Nyoni’s “On Becoming a Guinea Fowl,” from Zambia, UK, and Ireland, offers a unique African perspective. Simón Mesa Soto’s “A Poet” from Colombia and Kleber Mendonça Filho’s “The Secret Agent” from Brazil highlight the rich storytelling traditions of Latin America. Oliver Laxe’s “Sirat” from Spain completes the list, demonstrating the Spirit Awards’ dedication to showcasing the very best of world cinema.
Emerging Filmmaker Awards: Nurturing Future Talent
Crucial to the Spirit Awards’ mission is the recognition and support of emerging talent across all facets of filmmaking.
Producers Award
This award acknowledges producers who, despite limited resources, demonstrate creativity, tenacity, and vision in producing quality independent films. The nominees are Emma Hannaway, Luca Intili, and Tony Yang, whose work exemplifies the backbone of indie production.
Someone to Watch Award
This award recognizes a talented filmmaker who has not yet received appropriate recognition. Tatti Ribeiro, director of “Valentina,” Neo Sora, director of “Happyend,” and Annapurna Sriram, director of “Fucktoys,” are the inspiring nominees, each representing a distinctive voice on the rise.
Truer Than Fiction Award
Dedicated to emerging non-fiction filmmakers, this award celebrates those pushing the boundaries of documentary storytelling. Tony Benna, director of “André Is an Idiot,” Rajee Samarasinghe, director of “Your Touch Makes Others Invisible,” and Brittany Shyne, director of “Seeds,” are honored for their innovative and compelling contributions to the documentary form.
Television Categories: Independent Stories on the Small Screen
In recent years, the Spirit Awards have expanded their purview to include independent television, acknowledging the increasing quality and artistic ambition found in serial storytelling. These nominations reflect the dynamic and diverse narratives thriving on various platforms.
Best New Scripted Series
The Best New Scripted Series category is robust, featuring shows that promise both critical acclaim and audience engagement. “Adolescence,” from creators/executive producers Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, alongside a formidable team including Philip Barantini, Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Nina Wolarsky, Hannah Walters, Mark Herbert, Emily Feller, Carina Sposato, Niall Shamma, and Peter Balm, signals a high-caliber drama. “Common Side Effects,” created and executive produced by Joe Bennett and Steve Hely, with executive producers Mike Judge, Greg Daniels, Dustin Davis, James Merrill, Sean Buckelew, Benjy Brooke, Kelly Crews, Suzanna Makkos, and co-executive producer Dave King, hints at a sharp, possibly comedic, take on contemporary issues. “Forever,” from creator/executive producer Mara Brock Akil, with executive producers Regina King, Susie Fitzgerald, Shana C. Waterman, Reina King, Anthony Hemingway, Judy Blume, Erika Harrison, Sara E. White, and co-executive producer Jerron Horton, brings a powerful and poignant narrative, especially relevant for a women-focused audience. “Mr Loverman,” executive produced by Lennie James, Hong Khaou, Jo McClellan, Faye Ward, and Hannah Price, suggests a rich character study. “North of North,” created and executive produced by Stacey Aglok MacDonald and Alethea Arnaquq-Baril, with executive producers Garry Campbell, Anya Adams, Susan Coyne, Miranda de Pencier, and co-executive producers Teresa M. Ho, Michael Goldbach, Kathryn Borel Jr., and JP Larocque, promises a unique cultural perspective, possibly exploring Indigenous themes.
Best New Non-Scripted or Documentary Series
This category highlights the growing demand for compelling non-fiction series. Bret Sigler’s “Citizen Nation,” with executive producers Christopher Buck and Kyra Darnton, explores societal dynamics. “Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time,” executive produced by Jonathan Chinn, Simon Chinn, Ryan Coogler, Myles Estey, Ted Skillman, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian, Peter Nicks, Kalia King, Carolyn Payne, Sean David Johnson, and co-executive producer Kelli Buchanan, offers a critical look at a pivotal historical event. “Pee-wee as Himself,” with executive producers Matt Wolf, Emma Tillinger Koskoff, Ronald Bronstein, Eli Bush, Benny Safdie, Josh Safdie, Paul Reubens, Candace Tomarken, Kyle Martin, Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller, and Sara Rodriguez, promises an intimate portrait of a beloved and complex figure. “Seen & Heard: The History of Black Television,” executive produced by Issa Rae, Montrel McKay, John Maggio, Rachel Dretzin, John Ealer, Jonathan Berry, Dave Becky, Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller, Sara Rodriguez, and co-executive producers Esther Dere and Zachary Herrmann, is a crucial examination of representation and cultural impact. “Vow of Silence: The Assassination of Annie Mae,” executive produced by Ezra Edelman, Caroline Waterlow, Amy Kaufman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Riva Marker, and co-executive producer Mark Becker, suggests a powerful investigative piece.
Television Performance Categories: Small Screen, Big Talent
The acting nominations in television celebrate the nuanced performances that drive episodic storytelling.
Best Lead Performance in a New Scripted Series
This category features a strong lineup of performers captivating audiences. Sydney Chandler for “Alien: Earth” brings sci-fi gravitas. Stephen Graham for “Adolescence” delivers a performance of significant depth. Ethan Hawke for “The Lowdown” showcases his enduring versatility. Lennie James for “Mr Loverman” and Anna Lambe for “North of North” are recognized for their compelling portrayals. Lola Petticrew for “Say Nothing” and Seth Rogen for “The Studio” demonstrate remarkable range. Lovie Simone for “Forever” delivers a powerful central performance. Michelle Williams for “Dying for Sex” and Noah Wyle for “The Pitt” complete this impressive roster, each bringing distinct intensity to their roles.
Best Supporting Performance in a New Scripted Series
The supporting players are equally essential to the success of these series. Ariyon Bakare and Sharon D. Clarke for “Mr Loverman” are recognized for their contributions. Babou Ceesay for “Alien: Earth” and Taylor Dearden for “The Pitt” provide strong backing. Erin Doherty for “Adolescence” and Stephen McKinley Henderson for “A Man on the Inside” offer memorable turns. Poorna Jagannathan for “Deli Boys” and Xosha Roquemore for “Forever” elevate their respective shows. Jenny Slate for “Dying for Sex” and Ben Whishaw for “Black Doves” round out a category brimming with talent.
Best Breakthrough Performance in a New Scripted Series
Spotlighting new faces on the small screen, this category celebrates performers making a significant impact. Asif Ali for “Deli Boys” and Wally Baram for “Overcompensating” are recognized for their fresh energy. Owen Cooper for “Adolescence” and Michael Cooper Jr. for “Forever” deliver compelling debuts. Ernest Kingsley Junior for “Washington Black” is also nominated, marking a promising entry into the television landscape.
Best Ensemble Cast
