FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Jason Fox Berger, Film Independent
jberger@filmindependent.org

Seanna Hore, Ginsberg/Libby
seanna.hore@ginsberglibby.com
 

LOS ANGELES (February 11, 2026) – Film Independent, the nonprofit arts organization dedicated to fostering independence and inclusivity in visual storytelling, announced this morning that acclaimed filmmaker Lulu Wang will serve as honorary chair at the 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards, as well as join a star-studded lineup of award presenters. The honorary chair position is given annually to an individual who exemplifies outstanding artistic achievement and embodies Film Independent’s mission.

“Independent film has always been a space for courage, imagination and truth-telling,” said Lulu Wang. “At a time when these qualities are essential, this year’s nominees reflect the power of artists who challenge convention and shape culture in meaningful ways. I’m grateful to celebrate their work on February 15.”

An acclaimed filmmaker, Lulu Wang first rose to international prominence with her sophomore feature, The Farewell. The 2019 film became a cultural phenomenon, earning a Film Independent Spirit Award for Best Feature, as well as a Golden Globe win for star Awkwafina and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture – Foreign Language. She additionally developed Expats, the limited series for Amazon based on Janice Y.K. Lee’s bestselling novel, for which she served as showrunner and directed all six episodes. Lulu is currently writing to direct an adaptation of Audition, the Booker Prize-longlisted novel by Katie Kitamura, with Lucy Liu and Charles Melton attached to star.

Joining Lulu Wang in presenting the awards will be an iconic lineup of acclaimed artists, headlined by Francois Arnaud; Rose Byrne; Kaia Gerber; Judy Greer; Rebecca Hall, Robby Hoffman, Kate Hudson, Regina King, Jane Levy, Delroy Lindo, Amy Madigan; John Magaro; Lamorne Morris; Wunmi Mosaku; Wagner Moura; Kumail Nanjiani; Tig Notaro; Dylan O’Brien; Keke Palmer; Issa Rae; Natasha Rothwell; Jenny Slate and Tessa Thompson, with more to be announced before the show.

Past Honorary Chairs include Javier Bardem; Angela Bassett; Halle Berry; Jessica Chastain; Robert Duvall; Ava DuVernay; Jodie Foster; Lily Gladstone; Siân Heder; Samuel L. Jackson; Nicole Kidman; Ang Lee; Julianne Moore; David Oyelowo; Martin Scorsese; Molly Shannon; Kerry Washington and Chloé Zhao.

The honorary chair and presenters will reveal the award recipients at the historic Hollywood Palladium on Saturday, February 15 at 2 pm PT. The Spirit Awards is Film Independent’s largest annual celebration, making year-round programming for filmmakers and film-loving audiences possible, while amplifying the voices of independent storytellers and celebrating their diversity, originality and uniqueness of vision.

After walking the blue carpet outside the Hollywood Palladium, Spirit Awards presenters and nominees will mingle with guests at a reception featuring many notable brand installations.

Returning to the Spirit Awards is Lavazza, the world-renowned coffee company. For over 130 years, the brand has believed in coffee as a ritual that transforms ordinary moments into memorable ones. At this year’s show, guests will experience that philosophy firsthand with premium espresso and signature CoffeeTails, bringing the Italian tradition of aperitivo to a celebration of the bold, independent voices shaping film’s next chapter.

Also returning this year is the IMDb Portrait Studio. All talent and filmmakers are invited to visit IMDb’s exclusive portrait studio with celebrity photographer Emma McIntyre. Portraits will be published by Getty Images, as well as featured on IMDb.com and its apps and social channels, reaching hundreds of millions of entertainment fans around the world.

FIJI Water, the No. 1 premium imported bottled water in the United States, is back to bring its iconic square bottles to the blue carpet as the Official Water partner for the 13th consecutive year. This year, at the new venue, FIJI Water will feature its signature branded bar on the blue carpet, with its 330mL bottle made from 100% recycled plastic (rPET), keeping nominees, presenters and guests hydrated as they celebrate the 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards.

Joining the Spirit Awards this year, PEPSI® invites guests to taste the new PEPSI® PREBIOTIC COLA. Pepsi Prebiotic Cola delivers the “Unbelievably Pepsi” taste people love, now with functional ingredients that reflect today’s modern beverage preferences. Available in Original Cola and Cherry Vanilla flavors, Pepsi Prebiotic Cola contains no artificial sweeteners, just 30 calories, only 5g of sugar and 3g prebiotic fiber – all without compromising the iconic Pepsi taste that consumers love. To learn more, please visit www.pepsi.com

Immediately following the show, all nominees are invited to continue the celebrations at the Official 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards After Party in partnership with Independent Film Company and Shudder at W Hollywood.

The Film Independent Spirit Awards, emceed by host Ego Nwodim, will be streamed live on the Film Independent and IMDb YouTube and respective social media channels, with highlights across all social platforms. The previously announced nominees can be viewed here.

Film Independent Spirit Awards are supported by Premier Sponsor Lavazza Coffee, Principal Sponsor IMDbPro and Official Sponsor FIJI Water, with additional support from PEPSI. Easterseals Disability Services is the accessibility partner. The London West Hollywood and W Hollywood are the Official Hotels. Pentagram is the Visual Branding Partner. Getty Images is the Official Photographer. Vision Media is the exclusive screening partner. eTech Rentals and Town and Country Event Rentals are Official Providers.

To learn more about attending the Spirit Awards and supporting Film Independent’s mission and programs, please contact Jennifer Murby at jmurby@filmindependent.org.

To learn more about the Spirit Awards eligibility rules and regulations, please visit filmindependent.org/spirit-awards/faq.

The winners of the Film Independent Spirit Awards are voted on by Film Independent Members. Membership is open to the public. For more information or to become a Member, visit 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.