At the Sundance Institute’s annual gala this year in Park City, Ethan Hawke delivered an emotional tribute to Robert Redford, the late founder of the Sundance Film Festival, who passed away in September at age 89. Hawke’s remarks highlighted the deep connection Redford fostered within the film community and celebrated the lasting influence of the Sundance Festival, which Redford established in 1978 to support independent filmmakers.
The event stood out not only as a farewell in its longtime Park City setting but also as a powerful moment honoring Redford’s impact on cinema and culture. Actors and filmmakers including Woody Harrelson, Chloé Zhao, Ava DuVernay, and Taika Waititi gathered at the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley on Friday evening to commemorate Redford’s legacy.
Remembering Robert Redford’s Cultural Impact
Woody Harrelson reflected on Redford’s significance for his generation, recalling the actor’s major presence in films throughout the 1960s to ’80s.
“He was part of my childhood,”
Harrelson said, illustrating Redford’s role as a cultural icon. Harrelson also fondly recounted working with Redford during the early 1990s on “Indecent Proposal,” describing the profound admiration he held for him with humor and respect.
“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.” – Woody Harrelson
“I admit he’s the only man on earth I’d sell my wife to. And I also admit, unabashedly, that he’s the only man I’d return the money to, to take me for a night.” – Woody Harrelson
Redford’s foundational work in both acting and directing, highlighted by films such as
“Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,”
“The Way We Were,” and “All the President’s Men,” set a high standard for storytelling and independent filmmaking.
Honoring Trailblazers in the Film Industry
The gala also paid tribute to contemporary filmmakers who continue the spirit of innovation and inclusion championed by Redford. Chloé Zhao, recently the first person of color and only the second woman to receive two Best Director Oscar nominations for “Hamnet,” was awarded the Trailblazer Award. Nia DaCosta, director of “Hedda” and a Sundance debutante with her 2018 film “Little Woods,” received the Vanguard Award.
“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.” – Chloé Zhao
“I want to thank Robert Redford for knowing the importance of interdependence in nature and human nature.” – Chloé Zhao
Personal Memories: Ethan Hawke’s Connection to Redford
Ethan Hawke, a frequent Sundance participant known for his roles in films like “Before Sunrise” and the recent “The Weight,” shared a memorable encounter with Redford from the early 1990s. Though Hawke did not win the role in Redford’s 1992 film “A River Runs Through It,” the encouragement he received left a lasting impression.
“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.” – Robert Redford (as recalled by Ethan Hawke)
Hawke recalled how Redford took the time to attend one of his modest theater performances, a gesture that he described as deeply meaningful and indicative of Redford’s genuine commitment to nurturing talent.
“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?” – Ethan Hawke
“He championed other people. The fact that he had time to care about all of us is so meaningful.” – Ethan Hawke
Redford’s Approach to Mentorship and Community
A recurring theme throughout the evening was Redford’s dedication to fostering new voices in the industry and his preference that peers and protégés address him simply as “Bob.” Some, such as Ava DuVernay, admitted feeling uneasy using the informal nickname for someone they revered.
“When I think of Robert Redford, I think of how frustrated he was when I never called him Bob. When he asked why, I’d say ‘Because you’re Mr. Redford.’ He’d said, ‘Ava, please call me Bob.’” – Ava DuVernay
Taika Waititi humorously added his perspective on the nickname’s use, underscoring the personal bond Redford shared with younger filmmakers.
The gala also featured a surprise musical performance by Patti LuPone, who sang “Forever Young,” adding a poignant touch to the celebration. Amy Redford, Robert’s daughter, spoke about her father’s usual aversion to galas but expressed that this event felt like a true homecoming for him.
“I can’t help but think of all the galas my dad had no interest in showing up to, and how he might have actually enjoyed this one.” – Amy Redford
Redford’s Enduring Influence on Sundance and Film Culture
Robert Redford’s vision for an independent film festival transformed how new talent gains recognition, making Sundance a vital platform for emerging artists worldwide. The gala’s reflections and honors underscore how his passion for creative community-building continues to inspire. As the Sundance Film Festival moves forward without its founder, the spirit of inclusion, mentorship, and innovation Redford instilled remains central to its mission.
Ethan Hawke’s Sundance tribute encapsulates this legacy, reminding the film industry and audiences of the man who connected so many through the power of storytelling and unwavering support for film artists.
