Oscar-winning actor Robert Redford passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Utah on the morning of September 16, 2025. His remarkable career and contributions to film, particularly through the Sundance Film Festival, have left an enduring mark on the industry, defining the Robert Redford legacy.
Robert Redford’s Wealth and Business Ventures
At the time of his death, Robert Redford’s net worth was estimated at $200 million. Beyond his acting, Redford expanded his influence by directing, producing, and running various production companies. His financial success reflected decades of work both in front of and behind the camera, establishing a significant entertainment empire.
Recognition Through Awards and Nominations
Robert Redford earned numerous accolades across major award platforms during his career. He won the Academy Award for Best Director in 1981 for Ordinary People and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Oscars in 2002. Redford was also nominated for Best Actor for The Sting in 1973 and saw Quiz Show nominated for Best Picture in 1994.
His success extended to the Golden Globes, where he earned Best Director for Ordinary People (1981), Best New Star of the Year for Inside Daisy Clover (1966), and the Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement in 1994. The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) nominated him for Best Actor in 1969 for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, while the Emmys recognized his supporting role in The Voice of Charlie Pont (1963).
Additional prominent honors include the Kennedy Center Honors in 2005, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016, the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in 1980, the Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995, and an Honorary César Award in 2019.
Robert Redford and the Birth of the Sundance Festival
Redford’s connection to Sundance began with his role as the Sundance Kid in the 1969 film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. That same year, he acquired 5,000 acres in Utah to create the Sundance Mountain Resort, which he eventually opened to the public, cementing his bond with the area he loved.
In 1980, Redford helped establish the Sundance Institute, which launched its inaugural lab for 17 independent filmmakers the following year. The first film festival occurred in 1985 as the U.S. Film Festival before it was renamed the Sundance Film Festival. Since 1991, Sundance has become a premier platform for independent cinema.
Highlighting the festival’s impact, the film CODA became the first Sundance-supported feature to win the Oscar for Best Picture at the 94th Academy Awards. Sundance-supported documentaries have also amassed 20 Academy Awards, underscoring the festival’s vital role in shaping acclaimed filmmaking.
Remembering Robert Redford’s Enduring Influence
Robert Redford’s passing marks the end of an era for both Hollywood and independent film. His artistic achievements earned him a lasting place among the most respected in the industry, while his establishment of Sundance created vital opportunities for new voices in cinema. As his family requests privacy, the world reflects on the profound legacy he leaves behind through his films, awards, and the festival that continues to inspire storytellers worldwide.
“Robert Redford passed away on September 16, 2025, at his home at Sundance in the mountains of Utah–the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved. He will be missed greatly,”
Cindi Berger, Chief Executive of Rogers & Cowan PMK
