The Sundance Institute held a special event Friday night at the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley in Park City, Utah, celebrating its founder Robert Redford. The evening featured memorable stories from notable presenters, including Oscar nominee Ethan Hawke, who opened the program with a tribute themed “Once Upon a Time.” Hawke’s remarks highlighted his first encounter with Redford during an audition for the 1992 film A River Runs Through It, directed by Redford and starring Brad Pitt, Craig Sheffer, and Tom Skerritt. This moment set the tone for a heartfelt homage that combined laughter and respect for the late icon’s enduring impact on film and the Sundance community. The event was filled with prominent figures such as Ryan Coogler, Chloé Zhao, Chris Pine, Rob Lowe, Nia DaCosta, and Tessa Thompson.
Ethan Hawke’s Memorable Audition Experience
Recalling his nerve-wracking audition, Ethan Hawke shared the anxiety and determination he felt while preparing.
“The audition was this huge monologue and I loved Robert Redford so much, and I really wanted to impress him. I really wanted to get this part. I worked on the speech, I worked on a speech. I had this apartment in New York City, and I would run it, run it, run it, and I’d go to bed and wake up 15 minutes later and run it again. Try to go back to sleep. Did I forget the lines? Got to run it again. I didn’t sleep all night. My audition was at 10:15 a.m. I walked in the room and the door opens and there’s Robert. He, literally goes, ‘Hey Ethan, you’re from Austin, Texas, right?’ And I wet myself.”
Ethan Hawke, Actor
The audience burst into laughter as Hawke vividly described the moment when Redford recognized him and eased his nerves unexpectedly. Yet, the audition didn’t go as Hawke hoped initially. Though he was invited to return the next day to try again, Redford ultimately decided the actor was “too young” for the role.
“I come in the next day, the door opens. ‘You ready to work?’ I said, ‘Absolutely.’ I do my audition. And he looks at me and he goes, ‘Lemme tell you what I do. I give everyone respect to give them notes and see how they respond to changes. And I would give you that opportunity except you just did a brilliant job and you’re too young for this part. I’m not going to cast you, but I want you to know that you’re going to have a wonderful career.’”
Ethan Hawke, Actor
Redford’s Early Support and Lasting Influence on Hawke
Despite his initial disappointment, Hawke felt profoundly supported by Redford’s belief in his potential. Redford attended one of Hawke’s small stage plays in a 99-seat theater with $10 tickets, demonstrating his commitment to nurturing emerging talent.
“A couple months later, came to see me in a play, a 99-seat house, $10 ticket. Robert Redford showed up. The fuck?”
Ethan Hawke, Actor
Redford’s encouragement extended into later collaborations, as he cast Hawke in the film Quiz Show and helped secure a spot for Hawke’s Richard Linklater-directed film Before Sunrise at Sundance. Hawke reflected on Redford’s generosity, saying,
“He championed other people. And as you get older you realize, oh wait, he had his own family. He had his own work. The fact that he took time to care about all of us here is so meaningful.”
Ethan Hawke, Actor
Hawke also recounted his last encounter with Redford more than five years ago, marked by a humorous exchange about Hawke’s penchant for wearing cowboy hats.
“I felt two hands in the back of my shoulder,”
he said, recalling Redford’s gentle advice. Redford then suggested he stop wearing the hats because
“people think you’re losing your hair.”
Woody Harrelson Reflects on Working with Redford
Woody Harrelson followed Hawke’s tribute, bringing both humor and warmth during his remarks. Wearing a baseball cap embroidered with a cannabis leaf, Harrelson shared memories connected to Redford’s daughter Amy, who invited him to speak about their work together on the 1993 film Indecent Proposal. The movie, directed by Adrian Lyne, involved a storyline where Redford’s billionaire character offers a million dollars to Harrelson and Demi Moore’s married couple for one night with Moore’s character. Harrelson joked,
“I admit, he’s the only man on Earth I would sell my wife to,”
and added,
“I also admit, unabashedly, that he is the only man I would return the money to to take me for a night.”
Woody Harrelson, Actor
Harrelson described how deeply infatuated his mother was with Redford. She had overcome her fear of flying to visit the film set, reliving a youthful crush while meeting Redford.
“Even before I dreamed of being an actor, he was part of my childhood, so imagine my unbridled euphoria when I got the chance to work with him. Naturally, my first call was to my mother. She’s terrified of flying — refuses to fly — but she got herself on the plane. … I witnessed my mom become a 16-year-old schoolgirl who did everything but squeal as she approached him on the set. And he was so sweet. He took the time to really talk with her. I’ll always be grateful for his generosity and his kindness. I never saw my mother so happy in her life, bubbling over with joy and lust.”
Woody Harrelson, Actor
Redford’s Political Impact and Legacy
Moving to a more serious note, Harrelson discussed Redford’s influence beyond the screen, recalling how the actor-director used his stature to advocate for environmental causes. During their time together, Harrelson was campaigning against a congressional bill that would have opened six million acres of Montana wilderness to mining, timber, and other industries. Redford’s intervention was critical.
“At the time we worked together, Congress was attempting to pass a bill that would open up six million acres of Montana wilderness to various extractive industries like mining and timber, et cetera,”
Harrelson said.
“I was trying to stop this bill, and several times I asked Robert to call a senator who had been unreachable and intractable. And you can believe that the senator took that call from Robert and changed his tune. Robert’s contribution to protecting the environment was part of what made him a truly great American. His genius as an actor was matched by his genius as a director, and he didn’t just create many iconic films. He made space for others to do the same.”
Woody Harrelson, Actor
The Lasting Importance of Redford’s Influence on Sundance and Film
The evening’s tributes underscored Robert Redford’s deep and multifaceted legacy within the film industry and environmental activism. From nurturing fresh talent like Ethan Hawke to advocating for wilderness preservation and creating opportunities through Sundance, Redford’s influence shaped both the art and conscience of many. The stories from Sundance veterans and celebrated actors reflected a man who valued respect, mentorship, and kindness, even amid his own demanding life and responsibilities. As the Sundance Institute continues to honor his memory, the impact of Redford’s contributions remains a guiding force for emerging filmmakers and artists around the world.
