LOS ANGELES -– Film Independent, a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing independence and inclusivity in visual storytelling, has officially opened submissions for the 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards. Filmmakers and television creators can submit their work through September for consideration in the prestigious awards ceremony, scheduled for Sunday, February 15, 2026.
The Spirit Awards serve as the primary fundraising event for Film Independent, supporting its ongoing programs that have nurtured the careers of emerging filmmakers and championed inclusion across the industry for the past forty years. These awards honor the finest achievements in independent cinema and innovative television series.
“In a year of tremendous change for our 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,” Brenda Robinson, Acting President of Film Independent, said. “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 the broader independent storytelling sector.”
Here are some key deadlines for submissions:
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 Extended 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 Extended Deadline: Friday, September 19, 2025
The nominees for the 2026 Spirit Awards will be announced via a live video broadcast on Wednesday, December 3. The Nominee Brunch, a celebration for all nominees where Emerging Filmmaker Awards are presented, will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at The London West Hollywood.
The 2025 Spirit Awards, hosted by Aidy Bryant, marked the organization’s 40th anniversary and honored acclaimed works like Anora and Baby Reindeer.
