- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Santa Monica Today
By the People, for the People
Independent Spirit Awards 2026 Moves to Hollywood Ballroom
The annual indie film ceremony loses its beachy vibes with the relocation.
Published on Feb. 16, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The 2026 Independent Spirit Awards ceremony, which honors independent films and filmmakers, has relocated from its longtime home in sunny Santa Monica to a Hollywood ballroom. The move has resulted in the event losing some of its signature casual, beachy atmosphere that had become a hallmark of the awards show.
Why it matters
The Independent Spirit Awards have traditionally been seen as a more relaxed, free-spirited counterpart to the formal, glamorous Oscars ceremony. The change in venue raises questions about whether the event can maintain its unique identity and spirit now that it is taking place in a more traditional Hollywood setting.
The details
The Independent Spirit Awards, which celebrate achievements in independent film, have been held in Santa Monica since the ceremony's inception in 1984. However, the 2026 edition of the awards show will take place in a Hollywood ballroom, marking a significant departure from the event's established location and vibe.
- The Independent Spirit Awards have been held annually since 1984.
- The 2026 ceremony will be the first time the event is held in a Hollywood ballroom instead of in Santa Monica.
The players
Independent Spirit Awards
An annual awards ceremony that honors achievements in independent film.
The takeaway
The relocation of the Independent Spirit Awards from its longtime home in Santa Monica to a Hollywood ballroom represents a significant shift for the event, which has historically been known for its more casual, relaxed atmosphere compared to the Oscars and other major Hollywood awards shows. This change in venue raises questions about whether the Independent Spirit Awards can maintain its unique identity and spirit in a more traditional Hollywood setting.
