'Train Dreams' Wins Film Independent Spirit Award for Best Feature

Full Winners List Announced for 2026 Independent Spirit Awards

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards ceremony has concluded, with the film 'Train Dreams' winning the top honor of Best Feature. Other notable winners include Rose Byrne for Best Lead Performance in 'If I Had Legs I'd Kick You,' and the series 'Adolescence' sweeping the Netflix TV categories. The awards show, typically held in a tent on the Santa Monica beach, took place this year at the Hollywood Palladium due to preparations for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Why it matters

The Film Independent Spirit Awards are a prestigious annual ceremony that recognizes excellence in independent film and television. The winners often go on to receive further accolades, including Academy Award nominations and wins. This year's ceremony reflects the continued vitality of the independent film and TV landscape, even as the event itself had to adapt to changing circumstances in Los Angeles.

The details

In addition to 'Train Dreams' winning Best Feature, other key winners included Alex Russell's 'Lurker' picking up two awards, and the acclaimed Netflix series 'Adolescence' sweeping all of its nominated TV categories. The ceremony took place at the Hollywood Palladium instead of the iconic Santa Monica beach tent location, due to preparations underway in Los Angeles for the 2028 Summer Olympics.

  • The 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards ceremony took place on February 16, 2026.

The players

Train Dreams

The film that won the Best Feature award at the 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards.

Rose Byrne

The actress who won the Best Lead Performance award for her role in the film 'If I Had Legs I'd Kick You.'

Alex Russell

The director whose film 'Lurker' won two awards at the 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards.

Adolescence

The acclaimed Netflix series that swept all of its nominated TV categories at the 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards.

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The takeaway

The 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards ceremony demonstrated the continued vibrancy of the independent film and television landscape, with a diverse array of winners across both feature films and streaming series. Despite the change in venue due to the upcoming 2028 Olympics, the awards show maintained its status as a premier celebration of independent creative vision.