Archive · 18 Dec 2025
Sundance Honors Filmmakers Zhao, DaCosta, Gandbhir in 2026
The Sundance Institute will honor three filmmakers at a special event during the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.
Chloé Zhao will receive the Trailblazer Award, Nia DaCosta will get the Vanguard Award for Fiction, and Geeta Gandbhir will receive the Vanguard Award for Nonfiction.
The event is a tribute to the late Robert Redford, the founder of Sundance.
It will take place on January 23, 2026, at the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley in Utah.
The fundraiser helps support artists through various programs.
The festival itself will run from January 22 to February 1, 2026, with an online program available from January 29 to February 1.
Many famous guests will attend, including Amy Redford, Ava DuVernay, and Ethan Hawke.
The awards recognize the filmmakers' contributions to independent film and their dedication to storytelling.
Chloé Zhao to receive the Trailblazer Award at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival fundraiser.
Nia DaCosta to receive the Vanguard Award for Fiction for her work on Hedda.
Geeta Gandbhir to receive the Vanguard Award for Nonfiction for her work on The Perfect Neighbor.
Event will take place on January 23, 2026, at the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley in Utah.
Fundraiser will honor the late Robert Redford, founder of the Sundance Institute.
- Who
- Chloé Zhao, Nia DaCosta, Geeta Gandbhir, Sundance Institute
- What
- Sundance Film Festival fundraiser and awards ceremony
- When
- January 23, 2026
- Where
- Grand Hyatt Deer Valley, Utah
- Why
- To honor filmmakers and raise funds for the Sundance Institute
- Event
- Celebrating Sundance Institute: A Tribute to Founder Robert Redford
- Date
- January 23, 2026
- Location
- Grand Hyatt Deer Valley, Utah
- Chloé Zhao's Award
- Trailblazer Award
- Nia DaCosta's Award
- Vanguard Award for Fiction
- Geeta Gandbhir's Award
- Vanguard Award for Nonfiction
- Festival Dates
- January 22–February 1, 2026
- At-Home Program
- January 29–February 1, 2026