1st Independent Spirit Awards
The 1st Independent Spirit Awards, honoring the best in independent filmmaking for 1985, were announced on March 22, 1986. The ceremony was hosted by Peter Coyote and Jeanne Lucas. It was held at 385 North, a restaurant in Los Angeles.
Winners and nominees
Films with multiple nominations and awards
| Nominations | Film |
| 5 | After Hours |
| 5 | Blood Simple |
| 5 | Smooth Talk |
| 4 | The Trip to Bountiful |
| 2 | Trouble Mind |
| Awards | Film |
| 2 | After Hours |
| 2 | Blood Simple |
| 2 | The Trip to Bountiful |