Los Angeles, CA – Clint Bentley took home the Best Director award at the 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards on Sunday, February 15th, for his work on the film “Train Dreams.” The win marks a significant achievement for Bentley and the film, which also secured the award for Best Feature and Best Cinematography at the ceremony held at the Hollywood Palladium. Bentley’s acceptance speech resonated with a message about the power of filmmaking to offer “goodness into the world” even amidst global turmoil.
“Train Dreams,” co-written by Bentley and Greg Kwedar, stars Joel Edgerton, Felicity Jones, Kerry Condon, and William H. Macy. The film’s success at the Spirit Awards further solidifies its position as a critical darling and boosts its momentum heading into the Academy Awards, where it has received four nominations, including Best Picture. The Independent Spirit Awards, known for celebrating independent storytelling, highlighted the film’s unique vision and artistic merit.
A Message of Hope Through Storytelling
During his acceptance speech, Bentley acknowledged the challenging state of the world, stating, “It can sense as the world is turning upside down, and feels like it’s on fire.” He questioned the purpose of creating art in such times, but ultimately affirmed the importance of community and positive impact. “And yet, in a world where there’s so many people trying to put up walls and put people in cages and divide people, we’re making little communities and we’re putting goodness into the world,” Bentley said. “And when there’s a lot of people trying to do the opposite, I think that’s worth doing.”
He also expressed gratitude to the film’s producer for their support in adapting Denis Johnson’s novel, and to his co-writer Greg Kwedar, as well as his wife, who were unable to attend the ceremony. The sentiment underscored the collaborative nature of filmmaking and the importance of personal connections in the creative process.
Competition and Other Honorees
Bentley’s win came after a competitive field of nominees, including Mary Bronstein for “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” Lloyd Lee Choi for “Lucky Lu,” Ira Sachs for “Peter Hujar’s Day,” and Eva Victor for “Sorry, Baby.” The Spirit Awards recognized a diverse range of independent films and filmmakers, showcasing the breadth of talent within the industry.
Other notable winners at the 2026 Spirit Awards included Rose Byrne, who received the award for Best Lead Performance for “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” and Naomi Ackie, who won Best Supporting Performance for “Sorry, Baby.” Eva Victor also took home the award for Best Screenplay for “Sorry, Baby.” “Lurker” was recognized as Best First Feature and Best First Screenplay, with Alex Russell receiving the latter award. Erin Doherty won Best Supporting Performance in a fresh scripted series for “Adolescence.”
“Train Dreams” Eyes Academy Awards
With four Academy Award nominations – including Best Picture – “Train Dreams” is poised to continue its award season success. The film’s critical acclaim and strong performance at the Independent Spirit Awards have positioned it as a strong contender for the industry’s highest honors. The nominations also recognize the work of Adolpho Veloso for Best Cinematography, and Joel Edgerton for Best Lead Performance.
The 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards, hosted by Ego Nwodim, celebrated its 41st anniversary, continuing its tradition of supporting independent artists and amplifying diverse voices in storytelling. The ceremony was broadcast live on Film Independent’s and IMDb’s YouTube channels, reaching a wider audience and further promoting the importance of independent film.
As “Train Dreams” progresses through the Academy Awards season, the film’s message of hope and community resonates with audiences and critics alike. The film’s success serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling to connect people and inspire positive change.
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