2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards Celebrate Indie Cinema at Hollywood Palladium

Ceremony marks a shift from traditional Santa Monica location, spotlighting low-budget, creatively driven films and gender-neutral acting categories.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards, held at the Hollywood Palladium, marked a notable shift for the ceremony and a celebration of independent filmmaking. Traditionally held near the Santa Monica Pier, the move to the Palladium reflects adjustments due to preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The awards themselves spotlight a vital sector of the industry – low-budget, creatively driven cinema, with a focus on films with budgets under $30 million.

Why it matters

The Spirit Awards often serve as a launchpad for actors and films that might not find a home in the mainstream awards circuit, providing a distinct space for truly independent projects. The ceremony's gender-neutral acting categories also reflect a broader industry trend toward inclusivity.

The details

Rose Byrne took home the Best Lead Performance award for her role in If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, continuing a streak of recognition that began at the Berlin International Film Festival. Zoey Deutch, nominated for Nouvelle Vague, emphasized the importance of the Spirit Awards in recognizing the challenges and rewards of independent filmmaking. The increasing accessibility of independent films through streaming platforms like HBO Max is crucial for reaching wider audiences.

  • The 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards were held on February 16, 2026.
  • The ceremony was traditionally held near the Santa Monica Pier, but was moved to the Hollywood Palladium in 2026 due to preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The players

Rose Byrne

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

Zoey Deutch

An actress who was nominated for the independent film Nouvelle Vague and emphasized the importance of the Spirit Awards in recognizing the challenges and rewards of independent filmmaking.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards marked a shift in the ceremony's location and a continued celebration of independent filmmaking, highlighting the growing momentum for low-budget, creatively driven cinema and the importance of recognizing diverse voices and storytelling in the industry.