Locally Filmed 'Train Dreams' Fails to Win at Oscars

The independent drama received several nominations but lost out to bigger contenders.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 4:03pm

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The independent film 'Train Dreams,' which was filmed in parts of Eastern Washington including Spokane, was nominated for several Oscars but did not win any awards at this year's ceremony. The film, about a railroad worker's 80-year life, was overshadowed by the night's big winners, 'Sinners' and eventual Best Picture winner 'One Battle After Another.'

Why it matters

The lack of wins for 'Train Dreams' at the Oscars is a disappointment for the local film community in Spokane, which had hoped the critically acclaimed drama would bring recognition to the region's growing film industry. The movie's nominations highlighted the talent and potential of the Pacific Northwest as a production hub, but its failure to take home any awards is a setback in efforts to attract more major film projects to the area.

The details

Despite receiving nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Original Song, and Best Picture, 'Train Dreams' did not win any of the categories it was recognized in. The film, which tracks the 80-year life of a railroad worker in Bonners Ferry, was overshadowed by the night's big winners, including 'Sinners' and the eventual Best Picture honoree 'One Battle After Another.'

  • The 2026 Academy Awards ceremony took place on March 16, 2026.

The players

Train Dreams

An independent drama film that was filmed in parts of Eastern Washington, including Spokane.

Sinners

A film that won multiple awards at the 2026 Oscars ceremony.

One Battle After Another

The film that won the Academy Award for Best Picture at the 2026 ceremony.

Conan O'Brien

The host of the 2026 Oscars ceremony.

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What they’re saying

“On a Wednesday night appearance on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!,' O'Brien said he was struggling to come up with a joke for the sad period drama.”

— Conan O'Brien, Oscars Host

The takeaway

The lack of wins for the locally filmed 'Train Dreams' at the 2026 Oscars ceremony is a disappointment for the Spokane film community, which had hoped the critically acclaimed drama would bring recognition to the region's growing film industry. While the movie's nominations highlighted the talent and potential of the Pacific Northwest as a production hub, its failure to take home any awards is a setback in efforts to attract more major film projects to the area.