The Spirit Awards
About
The Film Independent Spirit Awards are the premier awards event featuring independent film and television.
Each year, the Spirit Awards honors top talent from throughout the world of film and television. In addition to traditional categories such as Best Feature and Best Director, the Spirit Awards features a number of unique honors such as Best First Screenplay and the John Cassavetes Award (given to the best feature film made for less than $1M).
In 2021, the show introduced new categories honoring outstanding television storytelling and performances, and last year, two new Breakthrough Performance categories made their debut.
The Show
Celebrating the year's most outstanding films, television series and artists, right in the heart of Hollywood
From sand and sunsets, to stars on Sunset... after many marvelous years alongside the iconic Santa Monica Pier (and a virtual show in 2021 due to a global pandemic) the Spirit Awards heads inland to take place at another legendary Los Angeles venue: the historic Hollywood Palladium.
Following an incredible 40th anniversary celebration last year, 2026 marks the show's 41st year – and it remains as exciting and original as the films, series and filmmakers honored.
Join. Watch. Vote.
Pop quiz: who chooses the winners of the Spirit Awards? The correct answer is...
Film Independent Members, of course!
And Members don't just vote; they also receive exclusive access to stream nominated films and series before voting, plus access to special awards season events (not to mention a ton of other year-round benefits as well).
Members include filmmakers, film industry leaders and film lovers. Anyone passionate about film and television can become a Member and vote for the winners of the Spirit Awards.
Visit our voting info page to learn more and Join. Watch. Vote!