发布时间: 12/17/2025
Exciting news for indie film fans! Chloé Zhao, Nia DaCosta, and Geeta Gandbhir just joined the star-studded lineup of honorees for the 2026 Sundance Film Festival fundraiser. This heartfelt event, called “Celebrating Sundance Institute: A Tribute to Founder Robert Redford,” honors the legendary actor and filmmaker who kicked off the festival back in 1978 and sadly passed away earlier this year. Imagine the buzz as these trailblazing directors get recognized for shaking up the cinematic world.
Each of these powerhouse filmmakers snags a unique award celebrating their game-changing work in movies. Chloé Zhao picks up the Trailblazer Award, courtesy of Google—perfect for her boundary-pushing vibes from Nomadland fame. Nia DaCosta grabs the Vanguard Award for fiction, sponsored by Acura, while Geeta Gandbhir takes home the nonfiction version, also from Acura. They're teaming up with earlier announced winners of the new Robert Redford Luminary Award, like Ed Harris and Gyula Gazdag, for a night full of inspiration at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival fundraiser.
Why This Sundance Institute Fundraiser Matters
This gathering spotlights Robert Redford's lifelong passion for lifting up independent storytellers through Sundance's labs, workshops, grants, and killer programming. It's all about keeping that spirit alive, raising funds to fuel the next wave of bold voices in indie cinema. You can feel the energy—it's like a family reunion for film lovers mourning a giant while pushing forward.
Star-Packed Guest List and Event Details
Get ready for some serious star power: Amy Redford, Ava DuVernay, Ethan Hawke, David Lowery, Tessa Thompson, and others will light up the room. The whole shindig goes down on January 23, the festival's second day, at the swanky Grand Hyatt Deer Valley in Park City, Utah. It's your chance to soak in that Sundance magic one last time before the fest shifts to Boulder, Colorado in 2027.
The Sundance Film Festival itself spans January 22 to February 1 across Park City and Salt Lake City, with online at-home access for U.S. viewers from January 29 to February 1. Don't miss this tribute to Robert Redford's legacy in the indie film scene—it's going to be unforgettable!
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