On January 23, 2026, the Sundance Institute will set the stage at the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley in Park City to pay homage to its founder, Robert Redford, with a celebration that befits his indelible imprint on the world of independent cinema. Redford, who passed away at the age of 89 this past September, spent his illustrious career fostering breakout storytellers and their creations through the nonprofit he began in 1981. In keeping with this tradition of nurturing excellence, the Sundance Institute will debut the Robert Redford Luminary Award at its annual fundraiser.
The evening, which is not just about toasting a great man but also about propping up the future of the peculiar and potent universe of indie filmmaking, promises to recognize those who continue to blaze trails in Redford's spirit of innovative storytelling. According to KSL, Ebs Burnough, the Sundance Institute Board Chair, has expressed that this tribute will be "profoundly meaningful," as it emphasizes Redford's influence and the mission he was passionate about. And it is this mission that the Sundance Institute will carry forward in his absence. Meanwhile, the fundraiser will bolster the nonprofit's array of year-round artist-centric programs, which include labs, grants, and public programming.
The honor of being the first recipients of the newly minted award will fall to Ed Harris and Gyula Gazdag, who have dedicated over two decades as creative advisors at the Sundance Institute Directors Lab. Their unwavering commitment to honing the craft of young filmmakers embodies the essence of Redford’s vision. In fact, ABC4 quoted the institute, sharing that the award highlights individuals who have used their resources and insights to create possibilities and make the world a better place.
"The work and the people I've met and learned from and loved have enriched my life considerably," Ed Harris shared in a sentiment that echoes the ethos of the Sundance Institute, as per Sundance Institute. Gazdag also weighed in, attributing his honor to Redford's groundbreaking creation and emphasizing the familial atmosphere inherent at the Sundance Institute, a place that he described as his second home. Both honorees stand as testaments to the fruitful environment that Redford envisioned for filmmakers to freely create and innovate.
