High Frequency Vibes at the 2026 Spirit Awards Nominee Brunch
After a stormy couple weeks in Los Angeles, the clouds opened up and the sun shined through on Saturday for the 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards Nominee Brunch.
The brunch was hosted by the hilarious Natasha Rothwell (How to Die Alone, The White Lotus) and Hannah Einbinder (Hacks). Both donned shades because according to Einbinder they both “radiate an effervescent glow.”
It was easy to feel like you were floating on air, especially on the rooftop of the London West Hollywood. A-listers, indie darlings and creatives all came together to celebrate the best in independent cinema for 2025.
The pair presented the three Emerging Filmmaker Awards, each carrying with it a $25,000 unrestricted cash grant for its recipient.
THE PRODUCERS AWARD
The Producers Award, in its 29th iteration, went to Tony Yang for his work on Blue Sun Palace and Lucky Lu. The award honors emerging producers who, despite highly limited resources, demonstrate the creativity, tenacity and vision required to produce quality, independent films. This included a $25,000 grant presented by Producers United.
THE TRUER THAN FICTION AWARD
Rajee Samarasinghe, director of Your Touch Makes Others Invisible, won the Truer Than Fiction Award, which is presented to a first-time director of a non-fiction feature and includes a $25,000 grant. This was the 31st anniversary of the Truer Than Fiction Award.
THE SOMEONE TO WATCH AWARD
Tatti Ribeiro won the Someone to Watch Award for her work directing the feature Valentina. The award, in its 32nd year, recognizes a talented first-time narrative filmmaker of singular vision who has not yet received appropriate recognition and includes a $25,000 grant.
Between the poolside snacks, penthouse espresso and a good old-fashioned white Spirit Award tent, it’s fair to say that the Hollywood is feeling like a good fit for the Spirits in 2026.
To see all the nominees, click here. Remember to tune in to the 41st Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, February 15, 2026, which will be helmed by Saturday Night Live alum Ego Nwodim. The show, taking place at the beach in Santa Monica, will be streamed live on the IMDb and Film Independent YouTube channels, and across our social platforms.
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