Chloé Zhao, Nia DaCosta, Geeta Gandbhir and Tessa Thompson Attend A Sundance Tribute to Robert Redford
PARK CITY, UT —As the refreshing mountain air starts to energize Park City, the Sundance Institute is preparing for an exceptionally memorable evening that is set to be a standout event of the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. On Friday, January 23, 2026, the yearly fundraiser, aptly named Sundance Institute: A Tribute to Founder Robert Redford,’ event will not only pay tribute to the living legend himself, but it will also illuminate a new generation of cinematic innovators.
This year’s lineup of additional honorees is nothing short of extraordinary, featuring three women who have profoundly shaped the independent film landscape with their unique storytelling and unwavering dedication.
Leading the charge is Academy Award–winning filmmaker Chloé Zhao, who will be presented with the prestigious Trailblazer Award, presented by Google. For Zhao, this recognition feels like a homecoming of sorts attending the final film festival in Park City.
“Sundance Institute was where my journey as a filmmaker truly began, so to be honored with the Trailblazer Award by this community feels like coming home,” Zhao said.
Her journey from her debut feature Songs My Brothers Taught Me (which premiered at Sundance) to Oscar glory with Nomadland (winning three Academy Awards) is a testament to the Institute’s nurturing environment. Her latest, Hamnet (2025), is already collecting awards and nominations, further cementing her status as a true visionary.
“I’m deeply grateful for the support, friendship, and inspiration I’ve found here over the years, and I feel fortunate to be a part of this empathetic and fearless community of storytellers.”
The annual Vanguard Awards Presented by Acura will celebrate emerging artists who epitomize creative independence. This year, the Vanguard Award for Fiction is destined for the brilliant Nia DaCosta, director of the compelling Hedda (2025). DaCosta’s connection to Sundance runs deep, as the Institute’s Labs supported her debut feature, Little Woods.
“It is such an honor to be receiving the Vanguard Award from the Sundance Film Festival. It’s also incredibly fitting because all of the qualities of creative independence and intentional storytelling I am being recognized for are things I learned there, on the mountain during the Sundance Institute labs with Bob Redford, Michelle Satter, and their wonderful team.”
With Hedda making waves and her next film, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, hitting theaters next year, DaCosta’s star continues its meteoric rise.
Joining her in receiving a Vanguard Award is the prolific Geeta Gandbhir, who will accept the honor for Nonfiction. Gandbhir, an Emmy, Independent Spirit, and Peabody Award–winning filmmaker, saw her powerful documentary The Perfect Neighbor (Netflix) premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it snagged the Directing Award. Her passion for storytelling that sparks change is evident in her work, and her gratitude for Sundance’s role is profound.
“For many years, the Sundance Film Festival has been a guiding light for me — a place where bold, uncompromising stories find their home… What has meant the most to me is how the Festival continues to build community — one that not only celebrates artistic excellence, but actively uplifts underrepresented voices and filmmakers who challenge the status quo.”
These incredible honorees will be celebrated alongside a star-studded cast of special guest participants, including Amy Redford, Ava DuVernay, Ethan Hawke, David Lowery, and Tessa Thompson, ensuring an evening filled with cinematic reverence and inspiring dialogue.
At its core, this special evening remains a heartfelt tribute to Robert Redford, the visionary founder of the Sundance Institute. It’s a chance to acknowledge his enduring legacy, his profound vision, and his unwavering mission to support independent storytellers who often challenge the status quo. The inaugural Robert Redford Luminary Award will also be presented to the esteemed Gyula Gazdag and Ed Harris, further cementing the evening’s significance. Beyond the glitz, this annual fundraiser is vital, enabling the nonprofit to continue its year-round work supporting artists through labs, grants, fellowships, and public programming.
The 2026 Sundance Film Festival itself promises another fantastic array of independent film and television, running from January 22 to February 1, 2026, in person in Park City and Salt Lake City. For those eager to experience the magic from home, an online program will be available from January 29 to February 1, 2026. Mark your calendars: Single Film Tickets go on sale January 14 at 10 AM MT.
With a substantial array of honorees and a clear commitment to the essence of independent filmmaking, the 2026 Sundance Film Festival is poised to be an essential celebration of creativity, community, and the lasting impact of storytelling.
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