Film Independent Announces 2026 Spirit Awards Date, Leaves the Beach for New Venue

Film Independent, the nonprofit arts organization that produces the Film Independent Spirit Awards, announced today that the 2026 Spirit Awards will take place on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at the Hollywood Palladium.

The move comes as Santa Monica, the longtime home of Spirit Awards, undergoes some exciting renovations. This year’s venue – the Hollywood Palladium – first opened in 1940 on the original Paramount lot, stands as a monument to Hollywood’s history while celebrating its future through the Spirit Awards. 

“Following the celebration of 40 years of the Spirit Awards earlier this year, we are excited to have the opportunity to reimagine the Spirit Awards experience during a moment of tremendous growth and transformation for our organization,” said Brenda Robinson, Film Independent Acting President.  “We are proud to continue to be a beacon for the bold and resilient independent storytelling community and to honor excellence in storytelling in all its forms.”

“We’re thrilled to bring the Spirit Awards to the historic Hollywood Palladium,” said Shawn Davis, Executive Producer of the Film Independent Spirit Awards. “This move represents our continued evolution while staying true to our roots of celebrating fearless independent voices of film and television.”  

Film Independent celebrated the 40th Film Independent Spirit Awards on February 22, 2025, hosted for the second consecutive year by SNL breakout star Aidy Bryant. Top honors went to Anora for Best Feature, Best Director for Sean Baker, and Best Lead Performance for Mikey Madison. Baby Reindeer won three awards, including Best Lead Performance in a New Scripted Series for Richard Gadd, Best Supporting Performance in a New Scripted Series for Nava Mau, and Best Breakthrough Performance in a New Scripted Series for Jessica Gunning and Shōgun won Best New Scripted Series.