HOLLYWOOD, Feb 16, 2026 (V7N) - Period drama Train Dreams captured the top honor at the Film Independent Spirit Awards on Sunday, winning best feature as well as best director and best cinematography. The adaptation of Denis Johnson’s novella, directed by Clint Bentley, follows a railroad worker and the transformation of the American northwest across the 20th century.

Producer Teddy Schwarzman said the film “is a singular journey, but it hopefully helps bring people together to understand all that life entails: love, friendship, loss, grief, healing and hope.” Lead actor Joel Edgerton missed out on best actor, which went to Rose Byrne for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.

Brazil’s The Secret Agent won best international film, with director Kleber Mendonça Filho hailing the award as a boost for Brazilian cinema. The film, set during Brazil’s military rule, will compete at the Oscars next month in multiple categories including best picture, best actor and best casting.

Other Spirit Award winners included Lurker for best first screenplay and best first feature, Sorry, Honey for best screenplay, and The Perfect Neighbor for best documentary.

The Spirit Awards celebrate films made for less than $30 million and are seen as a key milestone in Hollywood’s awards season. The Academy Awards will be presented on March 15.

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