Sundance to Honor Redford’s Legacy with Inaugural Luminary Award for Ed Harris and Gyula Gazdag

The Sundance Institute will present its first-ever Robert Redford Luminary Award next January. The honorees are actor Ed Harris and director Gyula Gazdag. The tribute will occur at a gala during the 2026 Sundance Film Festival in Utah.

This new award celebrates individuals who create new possibilities for artists. The event will also honor the institute’s late founder, Robert Redford. It is a key fundraiser for the nonprofit’s year-round artist support programs.

Recognizing Decades of Mentorship at Sundance Labs

Both honorees have shaped independent film for years. Ed Harris has been a creative advisor for the Sundance labs since 2002. Gyula Gazdag began his advisory role even earlier, in 1994.

Gazdag also served as artistic director for the directors lab starting in 1997. Their work has directly influenced generations of filmmakers. The labs are a core program for developing new talent.

The award criteria focus on visionary support for artists. According to the institute’s announcement, it honors those who use their reach to make the world better. This directly reflects Redford’s original mission for Sundance.

A Pivotal Moment for the Festival’s Future

The 2026 festival holds special significance. It will be the last one held in Park City, Utah, as currently planned. This gala will set a tone for the institute’s next chapter.

Funds raised support labs, grants, and fellowships. Sundance Institute leadership emphasized the event’s importance. Acting CEO Amanda Kelso noted the honorees exemplify Redford’s founding vision.

Industry reports from sources like Deadline highlight the gala’s role. It unites the film community to celebrate Redford’s enduring impact. The focus remains firmly on empowering independent storytellers.

The inaugural Robert Redford Luminary Award solidifies a legacy of mentorship. It ensures the pioneering spirit of Sundance continues to guide filmmakers for years to come.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the Robert Redford Luminary Award?

It is a new award created by the Sundance Institute. It honors individuals who use their vision and resources to create opportunities for artists, reflecting Robert Redford’s own legacy.

When and where will the award be presented?

The award ceremony is set for January 23, 2026. It will be held at the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley in Utah during the Sundance Film Festival.

Why are Ed Harris and Gyula Gazdag receiving this award?

Both are being honored for their decades of service as creative advisors at the Sundance Institute labs. They have mentored countless filmmakers since the 1990s and early 2000s.

What is the significance of the 2026 Sundance Festival?

The 2026 festival is planned to be the last one held in its longtime location of Park City, Utah. This makes the tribute to Redford’s legacy during this festival particularly poignant.

How does the gala support the Sundance Institute?

The event is a major fundraiser. The money raised supports the institute’s year-round programs, including artist labs, grants, and fellowships for independent creators.