At the 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards, held Sunday at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, several actors openly expressed their opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies. Tessa Thompson, Natasha Rothwell, Kumail Nanjiani, and other notable figures used the event to protest against ICE, highlighting their objections in a politically charged atmosphere under President Donald Trump’s administration. The stars wore pins emblazoned with the message “ICE Out,” making a clear stand against the agency’s recent actions.
Natasha Rothwell’s Bold Declaration During Presentation
Natasha Rothwell, known for her work on White Lotus, briefly abandoned her script while presenting the award for best ensemble cast in a new scripted series to Jason Momoa’s Chief of War. Before announcing the winner, Rothwell directly confronted the crowd, declaring,
I’m gonna go to the prompter, but I just want to say, ‘Fuck ICE.’
Rothwell’s statement, delivered amidst heightened tensions over immigration enforcement, underscored the rising celebrity activism against ICE.
Other Stars Join the ICE Opposition
Alongside Rothwell, Kumail Nanjiani, Emily V. Gordon, Tessa Thompson, and Lake Bell were seen wearing “ICE Out” pins in solidarity. This collective gesture came shortly after the controversial deaths of Renée Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, both involving ICE agents, which ignited widespread outrage and discussions about immigration enforcement tactics nationwide. The activists at the awards linked their public protest to these recent incidents, emphasizing the human cost of enforcement practices.
Recognition Given to Independent Filmmakers Amplifying Marginalized Voices
During the ceremony, independent films focusing on social issues took center stage. Esta Isla, directed by Lorraine Jones Molina and Cristian Carretero, won the John Cassavetes Award, given to films made with budgets under $1 million. The directors highlighted the importance of diverse storytelling, stating,
In this time of such inequality and just so many people being silenced and dehumanized, it’s so important for us to raise our voices, and that’s the power of independent cinema and filmmaking, and to change the narrative,
Molina said.
So thank you independent cinema, thank you to the committee and thank you to all of us for continuing to tell our stories.
Molina further shared,
We’re from Puerto Rico and we love our home and we’re inspired by it. And we really wanted to tell our story because everybody’s voice is important, not just a few.
Esta Isla is a drama about young lovers Bebo and Lola, who come from different social backgrounds in Puerto Rico and escape to a remote area following a murder.
Documentary Spotlight Raises Issues of Racism and Fear Through “The Perfect Neighbor”
The documentary The Perfect Neighbor, awarded as best documentary, shed light on systemic racism and the misuse of Florida’s Stand Your Ground laws. Director Geeta Gandbhir used her acceptance speech to confront broader societal issues, stating,
This film is her [Owens’] legacy, and we are so grateful to her family for trusting us with this story,
referring to Ajike Owens, a Black mother killed by her white neighbor, Susan Lorincz.
Gandbhir described the film as one
“made predominantly from police body camera footage”
that explores
“the intersection of manufactured fear, weaponized racism and dangerous laws like Stand Your Ground that polarize neighbors and embolden hatred and criminal behavior.”
She added,
It’s a reflection of this moment in time in our country where truth is contested, empathy is overshadowed by fear and where systems meant to protect people are turning against them. So it asks us to look closely and to listen and to reckon with the realities we might otherwise turn away from.
Honoring diverse creators, she concluded,
I want to honor my fellow filmmakers who are of color, who are immigrants, who are LGBTQ, and everyone who comes from the most marginalized communities who continue to make work against all odds,
adding,
This award is also in your honor.
Gandbhir and producers Nikon Kwantu and Alisa Payne also displayed “ICE Out” pins during the event, reinforcing the protest message.
Spirit Awards Ceremony Highlights Art and Activism Amid Political Tensions
Hosted by Ego Nwodim, the 41st annual Film Independent Spirit Awards served not only as a platform for celebrating independent cinema but also as a focal point for artists to express dissent toward federal immigration policies. The prominent participation of figures like Tessa Thompson in the Tessa Thompson ICE protest symbolized a growing willingness among industry professionals to engage publicly with urgent social and political issues.
The event underscored the capacity of independent films and filmmakers to amplify marginalized perspectives, especially in times of political uncertainty and social tension. With growing calls for immigration reform and social justice, this Spirit Awards ceremony marked another moment where cultural influence and direct protest intersected on a major stage, signaling that activism will likely continue to play a significant role in future industry events.
