Stars Shine at 41st Film Independent Spirit Awards in Los Angeles

Celebrities including Mark Duplass, Issa Rae, and Dylan O'Brien walk the red carpet at the annual indie film celebration.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The 41st Film Independent Spirit Awards were held on February 15, 2026 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles. The event, hosted by Ego Nwodim, celebrated the year's best independent films and featured a star-studded red carpet with appearances by actors, directors, and other industry figures.

Why it matters

The Film Independent Spirit Awards are a prestigious annual event that honors independent and low-budget films, providing recognition for projects and filmmakers that may not receive the same level of mainstream attention as big-budget Hollywood productions. The event's move to the Hollywood Palladium this year also signals a shift in the awards show's prominence and influence within the entertainment industry.

The details

Celebrities who walked the red carpet included the Duplass brothers, Issa Rae, Dylan O'Brien, Eva Victor, Natasha Rothwell, Jenny Slate, Joel Edgerton, David Dastmalchian, and Jane Levy, among many others. The awards show celebrated nominated films such as "Peter Hujar's Day," "The Plague," "Sorry Baby," "Train Dreams," and "Twinless."

  • The 41st Film Independent Spirit Awards took place on February 15, 2026.
  • The awards show was relocated from its usual home at the Santa Monica Pier to the Hollywood Palladium this year.

The players

Ego Nwodim

The host of the 41st Film Independent Spirit Awards.

Mark Duplass

An actor, director, and producer who attended the awards show.

Issa Rae

An actress, writer, and producer who attended the awards show.

Dylan O'Brien

An actor who attended the awards show.

Jenny Slate

An actress who attended the awards show.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The Film Independent Spirit Awards continue to be an important platform for recognizing and celebrating independent and low-budget films, providing a counterpoint to the mainstream awards season and shining a spotlight on diverse and innovative storytelling.