Woody Harrelson and Ethan Hawke Honor Robert Redford’s Legacy
Robert Redford’s legacy was celebrated during a heartfelt tribute event held at the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley. The evening, titled “Celebrating Sundance Institute: A Tribute to Founder Robert Redford,” paid homage to Redford as a pioneering figure in independent cinema and environmental advocacy. The tribute highlighted the profound impact he had on many artists and filmmakers.
Honoring Robert Redford: Speeches and Anecdotes
During the event, Amy Redford, Robert’s daughter and a member of the Sundance Institute Board of Trustees, expressed how her father would have appreciated the gathering, despite his aversion to galas. The evening was structured in two segments: “The Vision” and “The Legacy.”
The Vision: Memories from Ethan Hawke and Woody Harrelson
- Ethan Hawke, in his opening remarks, shared an experience from his audition for Redford’s film, “A River Runs Through It.”
- He recounted how Redford recognized him as an Austin native, offering encouragement despite rejecting his audition.
- Hawke acknowledged Redford’s lasting influence, stating that he valued Redford’s dedication to mentoring others.
Woody Harrelson also took the stage to reminisce about his collaboration with Redford on the film “Indecent Proposal.” He humorously noted how his mother fangirled over Redford during filming, an experience that highlighted Redford’s charm and kindness. Harrelson further commended Redford’s environmental advocacy, recounting how he once influenced a senator’s decision regarding a controversial bill.
A Tribute from Sundance Alumni
Former Sundance programming director John Cooper reflected on the festival’s history, thanking Park City for its support throughout the years. He shared comical anecdotes about the various venues and challenges faced during the Sundance Film Festival.
The Legacy: Awards and Future Directions
The second act of the evening, “The Legacy,” featured the presentation of the inaugural Robert Redford Luminary Award. Amy Redford awarded this trophy to Ed Harris and Gyula Gazdag, describing it as a symbol of hope and light in dark times.
- Nia DaCosta recalled Redford as a significant mentor, encouraging her aspirations as a director.
- Taika Waititi joked about their private discussions, emphasizing the shared experiences in their journeys as filmmakers.
- Chloe Zhao was acknowledged for her work, receiving the Trailblazer Award, which reflects Redford’s spirit of innovation.
The tribute concluded with additional honors being awarded, including the Sundance Institute Vanguard Awards for both fiction and non-fiction films, recognizing the achievements of emerging directors like Geeta Gandbhir.
This celebration underscored Robert Redford’s enduring impact on the film industry and his commitment to fostering new talent and environmental stewardship.
