Celebrities at the 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards
The 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards saw Train Dreams emerge as the night’s biggest winner, taking Best Feature, Best Director for Clint Bentley, and Best Cinematography.
Ruffled And Rising
Rose Byrne, who won Best Lead Performance in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, was by far my best dressed of the night wearing Loewe by Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez. The multilayered ruffled dress, inspired by the Spring 2026 collection, had drama without feeling overworked. She began the season favouring understatement, but as the weeks have passed her choices have grown more assured and this felt like a confident step forward. MESSIKA jewels completed her look.
Styled by Kate Young.
Tailored With Ease
Amy Madigan and suits have been synonymous this season, but the Spirit Awards’ relaxed tone called for something softer. In Bottega Veneta Spring 2026, the fluid silhouette paired with a silk tie blouse struck the right balance between classic and unfussy. She knows her lane, and she sticks to it.
Styled by Andrew Gelwicks.
Pretty But Not Convincing
Dree Hemingway wore Chloé Spring 2026 in a yellow floral dress that, while pretty, doesn’t feel aligned with her usual cool-girl aesthetic. She isn’t selling it to me. It reads more Lucy Hale or Kiernan Shipka. Sometimes a dress needs attitude, and this one feels like it’s wearing her.
Bustier Drama Done Right
Ego Nwodim stepped out in Giambattista Valli, styled with De Beers jewels. The sculpted bustier and full skirt delivered high-impact glamour which was perfect for the nights host.
Styled by Micaela Erlanger.
Sculptural But Questionable
Erin Doherty pivoted from Louis Vuitton opting for Lii Spring 2026 dress with an unconventional silhouette that stays true to her taste. But the hem attached to the wrists feels like one idea too many. Jimmy Choo Ixia pumps completed the look.
Vintage With Restraint
Eva Victor chose vintage Donna Karan. She looks elegant, no question. But I was expecting something more directional. This is refined, though I can’t help thinking is so much better suited someone like Uma Thurman.
Styled by Danielle Goldberg.
Golden And Gleaming
Issa Rae wore Retrofête with Hearts On Fire jewellery. The streamlined silhouette and all-over shimmer made me feel that glow was the brief, and she delivered.
Texture With Edge
Jane Levy selected the Gabriela Hearst Fall 2025 Estrid dress, featuring leather weaving replicated as a snake-scale bustier, styled with Gabriel & Co. jewels. The contrast between the structured bodice and softer skirt ensured that this didn’t fade into the background.
Black Lace, No Surprises
Kaia Gerber kept things sleek in a black lace Sarah Burton for Givenchy Pre-Fall 2026 dress with silhouette that is in a clean and familiar territory for her.
Archival That Missed
Keke Palmer wore Christian Dior by John Galliano, and while I usually love her archival selections, this one feels dated. The bustier was a promising start, but the skirt loses direction completely. It needed editing.
Styled by Molly Dickson.
Floral Romance Done Right
Kirsten Dunst and Valentino continue their run of elegant outings, and this floral tiered Pre-Fall 2026 dress is another strong chapter. The soft pink and green print, paired with the fluid layers, feels romantic without veering saccharine. The look plays to Kirsten’s strengths and delivers exactly what we expect from this partnership.
Styled by Samantha McMillen.
All Drama, All Tulle
Lola Petticrew wore a red tulle Hector Maclean dress that brought unapologetic volume to the carpet. The frothy layers and bold colour give it presence, so I’m sold on the commitment to high drama at an event that often leans relaxed.
Angelic In Lanvin
Natasha Rothwell opted for a white Lanvin gown with softly pleated detailing and voluminous sleeves. The silhouette has a statuesque quality, and the textured finish ensured that this felt celebratory.
Bold Blooms
The colour and print of Nina Dobrev’s Carolina Herrera Spring 2026 dress are undeniably pretty, but I would have preferred a more fitted bodice to sharpen the overall effect. The strapless neckline has impact, yet I’m not sold on how the shape lacks definition through the waist. A Tyler Ellis clutch completed her look and kept the palette cohesive.
Great Idea
I like the colour and concept behind Poorna Jagannathan’s Prabal Gurung dress, but the pulls are so distracting that they take away from the overall impact. The chartreuse column has an interesting architectural cape detail, and the clean lines could have made this a standout moment, if not for those visible imperfections.
A Rare Miss
As one of Rebecca Hall’s biggest fans, I found this Jil Sander Spring 2026 look disappointing. The fit feels off, and the shoes, in particular, derail what should have been a sleek statement. Jacquie Aiche earrings completed her look.
Belted And Brilliant
I am sure you will all agree that Regina King’s Etro Spring 2026 jumpsuit needed that belt. The print is vibrant and energetic, and the cinched waist would have elevated this one-piece.
Minimal Dress, Maximal Accessories
When it comes to Supriya Ganesh in this Acne Studios dress, it feels as though her accessories, including Paul Andrew shoes were headed to a completely different event. The simple purple silhouette works on its own, but the styling feels noisy rather than harmonious. Baetyl Fine Jewelry completed her look.
Sheer Confidence Returns
Tessa Thompson made her return to the awards season circuit in a sheer Collina Strada Fall 2026 dress styled with Rouvenat jewels. The off-the-shoulder detail and floral motif give it a subversive edge, and she carries it with confidence.
Styled by Karla Welch.
Sunshine, Sculpted To Perfection
Wunmi Mosaku’s maternity run this awards season has been nothing short of breathtaking, and this sunshine-yellow Aquamaia gown is a prime example. The sculptural pleated cape frames her beautifully, creating drama without overwhelming her shape, while the fluid skirt keeps the look light and graceful. She understands how to command a red carpet moment, and this felt celebratory in all the right ways. What a goddess.
Styled by Shameelah Hicks.
Retro Tailoring, Reimagined
Zoey Deutch wore a Valentino tailored mini dress that nods to a retro era, which felt apt given she was representing her film Nouvelle Vague, yet it still read modern. The sharp shoulders and neat silhouette gave it structure, while the oversized black bow added personality.
Styled by Emma Jade Morrison.
FTC Disclaimer: Keep in mind that I may receive commissions when you click links and make purchases. However, this does not impact my reviews.
