PARK CITY, UT — Sundance Institute announced that its 2025 Sundance Film Festival gala fundraiser—Celebrating Sundance Institute Presented by Google TV—will honor director, writer, and producer James Mangold, who will receive the Trailblazer Award, and actor and singer Cynthia Erivo, who will be honored with the Visionary Award.
The Trailblazer Award will go to renowned writer, director, and producer James Mangold for his remarkable impact on the cinematic landscape. Mangold’s relationship with Sundance dates back to 1994 when he wrote the script for “Cop Land” at the Institute’s Screenwriters and Directors Labs.
“Sundance has been many processes in my life, a dream faraway in the mountains, a laboratory where I shaped the screenplay of Cop Land, a Festival where I premiered Heavy, my first feature, and, subsequently, a place of which I have been proud to mentor gifted future filmmakers,” Mangold said in accepting the honor. “I am floored and flattered that I might be worthy of such an honor, let alone that Sundance thought so.”
Mangold, known for humanist themes and intimate storylines, has had critically acclaimed films like “Girl, Interrupted,” “Walk the Line,” “3:10 to Yuma,” “Ford v. Ferrari,” and “A Complete Unknown.” His exceptional capacity to breathe his signature vision into a wide range of forms has impacted the industry and popular culture.
Cynthia Erivo mesmerizes audience members as Elphaba in the big-screen version of Wicked. She has been praised forever for bringing an insurmountable depth to any role.
“Being honored with the Visionary Award is such a privilege that I’m deeply grateful,” Erivo said. “Sundance has long been a refuge for audacious voices and paradigm-shifting stories, and to belong in and be honored by this extraordinary community is a profound honor.“
She’s a star who has conquered every medium from stage to screen, from her breakout role in “The Color Purple” to her Academy Award-nominated turn in Harriet. Erivo’s commitment to storytelling drives audiences and creators alike.
The gala will honor Michelle Satter, Founding Senior Director of Artist Programs for the Sundance Institute, for her 40-year effort to develop independent filmmakers in the Sundance Labs. Co-chaired by Ebs Burnough and Pat Mitchell, the event will highlight the Institute’s mission of nurturing global artists through labs, grants, and programming.
The Vanguard Awards Presented by Acura will salute up-and-coming voices like Sean Wang, Julian Brave NoiseCat, and Emily Kassie for outstanding works introduced at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.
“This year’s selection of James Mangold and Cynthia Erivo illustrates the embodiment of creativity and impact within the arts,” said Amanda Kelso, Acting CEO of Sundance Institute. “Their innovative work and links to the Sundance community are a perfect match and strongly resonate, inspiring both audiences and creators.”
Google TV is supporting a celebration of storytelling and innovation on Jan. 24, 2025, at the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley, Utah, during the Sundance Film Festival, which runs from Jan. 23 to Feb. 2. It will be an evening celebrating the impact that independent film can create.
