The Sundance Institute hosted a deeply moving gala on Friday night in Park City, marking a heartfelt tribute to Robert Redford, the festival’s late founder who passed away in September at 89. The event brought together longtime friends, alumni, and filmmakers to honor Redford’s legacy and his enduring impact on the independent film community.
Remembering Robert Redford’s Enduring Influence
Ethan Hawke opened the evening reflecting on Redford’s profound connection to the film world, saying,
“Once upon a time, there lived an extraordinary man who connected all of us in this room,”
highlighting the spirit of unity Robert Redford fostered through the Sundance Film Festival. Hawke further expressed,
“We wouldn’t be here without the love and appreciation for Robert Redford,”
emphasizing the foundational role Redford played for independent filmmakers.
Redford, celebrated for iconic roles in films such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Way We Were, and All the President’s Men, established the Sundance Film Festival in 1978 to champion emerging talent. The festival’s annual gala at the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley became a gathering place for artists like Woody Harrelson, Chloé Zhao, Ava DuVernay, and Taika Waititi to pay homage to his visionary leadership.
Woody Harrelson Reflects on Redford’s Impact
Woody Harrelson reminisced about Robert Redford’s significance to his generation and his personal memories of the star, noting,
“For some of you younger folks who didn’t live in the ‘60s, ‘70s or ‘80s, it might be hard for you to understand what Robert Redford meant to my generation,”
linking Redford’s presence to his own childhood. Harrelson shared anecdotes from filming Indecent Proposal, describing a unique admiration, saying,
“I admit he’s the only man on earth I’d sell my wife to,”
followed by,
“And I also admit, unabashedly, that he’s the only man I’d return the money to, to take me for a night.”
Honoring Trailblazing Filmmakers at the Gala
In addition to celebrating Redford’s legacy, the event honored notable directors making history today. Chloé Zhao received the Trailblazer Award as the first person of color and second woman to be nominated twice for the Academy Award for Best Director, recognized for her film Hamnet. Nia DaCosta, known for her work on Hedda, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, and The Marvels, was presented with the Vanguard Award. DaCosta made her Sundance debut with 2018’s Little Woods, starring Tessa Thompson and Lily James.
Reflecting on the importance of community and leadership, Zhao remarked,
“Being part of this community taught me something very important, which is trailblazing or leadership is not about dominance. It’s about interdependence. It’s about community,”
further adding,
“I want to thank Robert Redford for knowing the importance of interdependence in nature and human nature.”
Ethan Hawke Shares Personal Story About Redford
During the tribute, Ethan Hawke recounted his first encounter with Robert Redford, revealing how Redford’s encouragement shaped his career. Hawke auditioned for A River Runs Through It but was not cast. Redford told him,
“You’re too young for this part. But I just want you to know, you’re going to have a wonderful career and I can’t wait to watch it.”
Hawke recalled the lasting impact of this moment, saying,
“He believed in me. He followed up. He came to see me in a play. It was 99-seat theater; $10 a ticket. What the fuck?”
emphasizing Redford’s genuine support for emerging artists.
“He championed other people. The fact that he had time to care about all of us is so meaningful,”
Hawke added.
Redford’s Personal Touch and the Use of “Bob”
A recurring theme throughout the evening was Redford’s dedication to nurturing new talent, coupled with his wish to be known simply as “Bob” among colleagues. Ava DuVernay admitted feeling hesitant about using the nickname. She shared,
“When I think of Redford, I think of how frustrated he was when I never called him Bob,”
and recounted,
“I said ‘Because you’re Mr. Redford.’ He’d said, ‘Ava, please call me Bob.’”
Taika Waititi humorously remarked,
“Robert Redford— Bob to me, not to you,”
embracing the personal closeness Redford extended to fellow filmmakers.
Amy Redford’s Tribute and Patti LuPone’s Surprise Performance
The emotional evening was further enriched by a touching tribute from Redford’s daughter, Amy, who described the gala as feeling “like a homecoming.” She reflected on her father’s usual reluctance to attend such events, noting,
“I can’t help but think of all the galas my dad had no interest in showing up to,”
and said,
“and how he might have actually enjoyed this one.”
Patti LuPone made an unexpected appearance, delivering a heartfelt rendition of Forever Young, adding to the night’s emotional tribute.
Looking Forward: Redford’s Lasting Legacy at Sundance
The Robert Redford Sundance Tribute celebrated not only the man but also his vision for the independent film community, emphasizing his passion for fostering new voices in cinema. The festival and its supporters underscored how his belief in community, interdependence, and inclusive leadership continues to inspire filmmakers. As the Sundance Film Festival moves forward without its founder, his lasting influence will remain a guiding force, shaping the future of independent filmmaking for generations to come.
