Festivals - Sundance 2024 : The 40th Festival edition Kicks Off with A Night of Glitz and Glamour

By Mulder, Utah, Park City, Sundance Resort, 18 january 2024

The Sundance Institute marked the commencement of the 40th annual Sundance Film Festival with an unforgettable Opening Night Gala: Celebrating 40 Years Presented by Chase Sapphire. The prestigious event unfolded at the DeJoria Center in Utah, dedicating an evening to honor inspiring storytellers and raise essential funds to support the Sundance Institute’s year-round programs.

The Opening Night Gala served as a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of several luminaries in the world of independent film

Christopher Nolan, a trailblazer in independent filmmaking, was bestowed with the inaugural Sundance Institute Trailblazer Award. This accolade recognizes Nolan's unwavering dedication and remarkable contributions to the realm of independent cinema. The award was presented to him by none other than Robert Downey Jr., star of "Oppenheimer." Downey Jr. humorously remarked on Nolan's newfound recognition on the streets, praising his extensive body of work, including the iconic "Memento," which premiered at Sundance 23 years ago, and the recent mind-bending "Tenet." Nolan, reflecting on the uniqueness of Sundance, expressed, “It tells you what you’re supposed to be doing, what your real purpose is.”

Kristen Stewart, a powerhouse in the world of acting, was honored with the Visionary Award for her fearless and bold storytelling. The award was presented by Jesse Eisenberg, Stewart's co-star in the Sundance film "Adventureland." Eisenberg praised Stewart’s commitment and authenticity, stating, “Kristen is one of these rare performers that is so committed, so authentic, so feeling, that you want to make sure she's ok at the end of the day.” Stewart, expressing her gratitude, exclaimed, “Sundance is the f***ing shit, I’m so happy to be here.”

The annual Vanguard Awards, presented by Acura, recognized outstanding achievements in both nonfiction and fiction. Celine Song, the director, and writer of "Past Lives," received the Vanguard Award for Fiction, presented by producer Christine Vachon. Maite Alberdi, director of "The Eternal Memory," received the Vanguard Award for Nonfiction, presented by Jodie Foster. Alberdi, grateful for the acknowledgment, stated, “I am enormously grateful that Sundance has expanded the scope of this award to apply to documentary and nonfiction films.”

Pat Mitchell, former Sundance Institute Board Chair and trustee, received the Vanguard Award for Philanthropy. This award recognized Mitchell's exceptional commitment to the Institute’s support and her philanthropic efforts for social impact. The award was presented by former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, who commended Mitchell’s dedication to gender equality and women’s empowerment. Mitchell, in her acceptance speech, thanked her family, friends, and ‘“my sisters in the never-ending struggles for equality.”

The event was attended by notable guests, including Emma Thomas, Darren Aronofsky, Jason Blum, Jennifer Grey, Rory Kennedy, Roger Ross Williams, Danny Ramirez, Ondi Timoner, Lío Mehiel, and more. Sundance Institute CEO Joana Vicente and Sundance Board Chair Ebs Burnough warmly welcomed the honorees and guests.

This evening was made possible by the generous support of Chase Sapphire, the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, Acura, and Google TV. The 40th edition of the Sundance Film Festival continues in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah, through January 28, 2024, as well as online from January 25–28, 2024.

(Source : press release)