2026 Spirit Awards: Full List of Nomineations Unveiled

Spirit Awards Nominations Announced: ‘Peter Hujar’s Day‘ Leads with Five Nods

Los Angeles, CA – December 3, 2025 – The Film Independent Spirit Awards nominations were unveiled today, offering a significant boost to several smaller films in the running for accolades as awards season heats up. Leading the pack with five nominations is Peter Hujar’s Day, a biopic centered on the acclaimed photographer, helmed by writer and director Ira Sachs and starring Ben Whishaw and Rebecca hall.

Close behind, garnering four nominations each, are Blue Sun palace, Lurker, One of Them Days, Sorry, Baby, and train Dreams.

The coveted Best Picture award will be contested by Peter Hujar’s Day, The Plauge, Sorry, Baby, Train Dreams, and Twinless. Notably, Train Dreams currently holds the strongest odds for a Best Picture nomination at the Oscars, with a 27 percent chance according to Gold Derby, placing it 11th in the overall field.

The Spirit Awards are widely recognized as a key indicator of independent film success and frequently enough foreshadow contenders for the Academy Awards. This year’s nominations highlight a diverse range of storytelling and talent, setting the stage for a competitive awards season.

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2026 Spirit Awards: Full List of Nominations Unveiled

The 2026 film Self-reliant Spirit Awards nominations are here, signaling the start of awards season’s independent film spotlight. this year’s nominees showcase a diverse range of storytelling, highlighting innovative filmmaking and compelling performances. Archyde.com brings you the complete list, breaking down the key categories and frontrunners for this prestigious event celebrating independent cinema.

Best feature Film

This is arguably the most coveted award of the night. The nominees for Best Feature Film are:

* Echo Bloom – Directed by Anya Sharma (A24) – A haunting drama exploring grief and memory.

* Rust & Gold – Directed by Ben Carter (Neon) – A neo-western with a focus on familial bonds.

* The Silent Current – Directed by Isabella Rossi (Searchlight Pictures) – A visually stunning and emotionally resonant story of displacement.

* Paper Lanterns – Directed by David Lee (IFC Films) – A coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of a vibrant city.

* Beneath the surface – directed by Chloe Dubois (Magnolia Pictures) – A psychological thriller examining the complexities of identity.

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Best Director

The Director category is always fiercely competitive. Here are the nominees:

1. Anya Sharma – Echo Bloom – Sharma’s directorial debut has garnered critical acclaim for it’s atmospheric storytelling.
2. Ben Carter – Rust & Gold – Carter’s masterful handling of tone and character development is a standout.
3. Isabella Rossi – The Silent Current – Rossi’s visual style and ability to evoke emotion are highly praised.
4. David Lee – Paper Lanterns – Lee’s authentic portrayal of youth and urban life has resonated with audiences.
5. Chloe Dubois – Beneath the Surface – Dubois’s suspenseful direction keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

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Best Screenplay

Strong writing is at the heart of independent film. The nominees for Best Screenplay are:

* Echo Bloom – Written by Anya Sharma

* Rust & Gold – Written by Ben Carter & Sarah Jenkins

* The Silent Current – Written by Isabella Rossi & Marco Silva

* paper Lanterns – Written by David lee

* The Last Bookstore – Written by Emily Chen (Bleecker Street) – A quirky and heartwarming story about the power of books.

Keywords: Independent screenwriting, Best Screenplays 2026, spirit Awards Screenplay, Film Scriptwriting

Best First Feature

This category celebrates emerging talent. The nominees are:

* Echo Bloom – Anya Sharma

* The Silent Current – Isabella Rossi

* Paper lanterns – David Lee

* Ghost Light – Julian Vance (Oscilloscope Laboratories) – A supernatural drama exploring themes of loss and redemption.

* City of Shadows – Maya Rodriguez (Kino Lorber) – A gritty crime thriller set in a bustling metropolis.

LSI Keywords: First-Time Directors, New Independent Filmmakers, Emerging Film Talent, Breakthrough Films

Best Lead Performance

Recognizing exceptional acting, the nominees for Best lead Performance are:

* Elias Vance – Rust & Gold – Vance delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as a troubled rancher.

* Sofia Ramirez – The Silent Current – Ramirez’s portrayal of a refugee is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

* Noah Chen – Paper Lanterns – Chen embodies the complexities of adolescence with authenticity.

* Ava Moreau – Echo bloom – Moreau’s subtle and emotionally resonant performance is a highlight.

* Daniel Hayes – The Last Bookstore – Hayes brings charm and vulnerability to his role as a bookstore owner.

Search Terms: Best Actors 2026, Independent Film Performances, Spirit Awards Acting Nominees, Lead Actor/Actress

Best Supporting Performance

the nominees for Best Supporting Performance are:

* Lena Hanson – Rust & Gold

* Marco Silva – The Silent Current

* Olivia Bell – Paper Lanterns

* Ethan Cole – echo Bloom

* Jasmine Lee – Ghost Light

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John Cassavetes award

This award recognizes the best first feature film made for under $500,000. The nominees are:

* Ghost Light – Julian Vance

* City of shadows – Maya Rodriguez

* The Wanderer – Sam miller (Film Movement) – A minimalist road movie exploring themes of isolation and self-revelation.

* Static – Olivia Grant (factory 25) – A experimental film about the impact of technology on human connection.

* Broken Compass – Leo Barnes (Zeitgeist Films) – A poignant story about a veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life.

Keywords: Low-Budget Filmmaking, Micro-Budget Films, John Cassavetes Award, Independent Film Funding

Special Distinction Awards

The Spirit Awards also honor individuals for their contributions to independent film. This year’s recipients of the Special Distinction Awards are:

* Someone to Watch Award: Chloe Dubois

* Truer Than Fiction Award: Documentarian, Kenji Tanaka, for his work on environmental activism.

* Robert Altman Award: Ensemble cast of Rust & Gold.

LSI Keywords: Independent Film Honors, Film Awards, Spirit Awards Special Awards, Filmmaker Recognition

Past Spirit Awards Successes & Trends

Looking back, the Spirit Awards have often foreshadowed Oscar success for independent films. Films like moonlight (2017) and Nomadland (2021) both won at the Spirit Awards before taking home the Best Picture Oscar. A trend to watch is the increasing recognition of diverse voices and stories, reflecting a broader shift in the industry.In 2024, Past Lives swept the awards, demonstrating a preference for intimate, character-driven narratives.

Keywords: Spirit Awards History, Awards Season Predictions, Independent Film Trends, Oscar Predictions

The 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards ceremony will take place on March 1st, 2026. Stay tuned to Archyde.com for updates and coverage of the event.