FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Seanna Hore, Ginsberg/Libby
seanna.hore@ginsberglibby.com

Gladys Santos, Ginsberg/Libby
gladys.santos@ginsberglibby.com
 

LOS ANGELES (August 19, 2025) – Film Independent, the nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering independence and inclusivity in visual storytelling, announced today that it is now accepting film and television submissions through September for the 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards. Taking place Sunday, February 15, 2026, the annual celebration of the best of independent film and groundbreaking television series is Film Independent’s primary fundraiser for year-round programs that have cultivated the careers of emerging filmmakers and promoted inclusion throughout the industry for the past four decades.

“In a year of tremendous change for our beloved organization, and in the industry as a whole, we are thrilled to open submissions for the 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards to continue celebrating the very best in film and television from resilient storytellers everywhere,” said Brenda Robinson, Acting President of Film Independent. “The work of these incredible artists continues to sustain us during this ever-shifting time, and the power of these stories continues to endure. We are excited to bring a boldly reimagined show in 2026 to our community of filmmakers and film lovers while continuing to lift up the broader independent storytelling sector.”
 
Spirit Awards Submissions Deadlines:

Film

Early Deadline: Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Regular Deadline: Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Final Deadline: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Arts Circle, Filmmaker Pro and Secret Member Deadline: Friday, October 3, 2025

Television

Regular Deadline: Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Final Deadline: Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Arts Circle, Filmmaker Pro and Secret Member Deadline: Friday, September 19, 2025
 
The nominees for the 2026 Spirit Awards will be announced in a live video broadcast on Wednesday, December 3. Additionally, the Nominee Brunch, an annual highlight where all nominees are celebrated and Emerging Filmmaker Awards are given, will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at The London West Hollywood.

This past year’s 2025 Spirit Awards, hosted for the second consecutive time by Saturday Night Live alum Aidy Bryant, celebrated the historic organization’s 40th anniversary while honoring new and essential work such as Anora and Baby Reindeer.
 
Easterseals Disability Services is the accessibility partner. Getty Images is the Official Photographer. Vision Digital is the exclusive screening partner.

Film Independent Members comprise the exclusive voting body that determines the winners of the Film Independent Spirit Awards. Members are filmmakers, film industry leaders and film lovers. Anyone passionate about film can join at filmindependent.org/join to be eligible to vote for the winners of the Spirit Awards and receive full nominee screening privileges. All Film Independent Members receive discounted submission fees, and Arts Circle, Filmmaker Pro and Secret Members get extra time to submit their film/series. To learn more about voting and Membership, please contact Evan Ward-Henninger at eward-henninger@filmindependent.org.

Please visit spiritawards.com for additional details, including submission and eligibility guidelines.

To learn more about attending the Spirit Awards and supporting Film Independent, please contact Jennifer Murby at 323 556 9353 or jmurby@filmindependent.org.
 

ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT

For over 40 years, Film Independent has helped filmmakers get their projects made and seen. The nonprofit organization’s core mission is to champion creative independence in visual storytelling in all its forms and foster a culture of inclusion, in support of a global community of artists and audiences who embody diversity, innovation, curiosity and uniqueness of vision.

In addition to producing the Film Independent Spirit Awards, the organization supports creative professionals with Artist Development programs, grants and labs. Signature mentorship program Project Involve fosters the careers of talented filmmakers from underrepresented communities. Weekly Education events and workshops equip filmmakers of all ages and experience levels with tools and resources. International programs provide cultural exchanges and career-building opportunities for film professionals around the world. And year-round screening series Film Independent Presents offers a robust program of unique cinematic experiences, including screenings, conversations, Live Reads and Bring the Noise musical events.

For more information or to become a Member, visit filmindependent.org.