The annual Sundance Film Festival gala fundraiser is expanding its 2025 honorees with two buzzy awards season contenders.
“A Complete Unknown” director James Mangold and “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo will both be honored at the event, which is known as “Celebrating Sundance Institute,” presented by Google TV.
“James Mangold and Cynthia Erivo embody the very essence of creativity and impact within the arts,” Amanda Kelso, the acting CEO of Sundance Institute, said in a press statement. “James’ career reflects the heart of filmmaking: bold and authentic storytelling. His connection to the Sundance Institute, from his early days as a participant in our artist programs to his groundbreaking work as a director, has left a lasting impact on the film community.”
The statement continues, “Cynthia’s journey, marked by electrifying performances in every project she touches, has made her a dynamic artist who inspires and empowers audiences and creators alike. We are thrilled to honor James with the Trailblazer Award and Cynthia with the Visionary Award, celebrating their extraordinary achievements and the powerful stories they continue to bring to life.”
Mangold will receive the Trailblazer Award, which recognizes the “unwavering dedication and notable contributions to the field of cinema,” per the official press statement. Mangold as been a Sundance staple since 1994, when he first participated in the Institute’s year-round artist programs to support emerging filmmakers. Mangold developed the screenplay for his 1997 film “Cop Land” at the Sundance Screenwriters and Directors Labs, and later received the Special Jury Prize for Directing at the 1995 Sundance Film Festival for his directorial debut “Heavy.”
“Sundance has been many things in my life; a far away dream on a mountain, a laboratory at which I developed the script for ‘Cop Land,’ a festival at which I debuted ‘Heavy,’ my first feature, and later, a place I have proudly mentored talented young filmmakers,” Mangold said. “I am floored and flattered that Sundance thought my body of work was worthy of this honor.”
Mangold has also previously helmed “Girl, Interrupted,” “Walk the Line,” “3:10 to Yuma,” “Ford v. Ferrari,” and most recently “A Complete Unknown.”
Erivo will receive the Visionary Award for her “uncompromising work and notable contributions to the entertainment industry,” per the release. The Grammy, Tony, and Emmy Award winner has been nominated for two Academy Awards, and served as a jury member for the 2021 Sundance Film Festival virtual edition. Erivo’s producing debut “Drift” premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.
“Receiving the Visionary Award is an honor that fills me with immense gratitude,” Erivo said. “Sundance has always been a sanctuary for bold voices and transformative narratives, and to be a part of and recognized by this incredible community is deeply meaningful. Storytelling is the foundation of my work, and it’s a privilege to celebrate this art form alongside so many extraordinary creators. This recognition inspires me to continue championing bold, diverse stories that connect, challenge, and uplift us all.”
As previously announced, the gala will also bestow the Vanguard Awards to “Dìdi” writer/director Sean Wang, and “Sugarcane” co-directors Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie. Both features premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.
The evening itself will be in celebration of Michelle Satter, the founding Senior Director of Artist Programs at Sundance Institute. Satter’s longstanding, four-decade commitment to nurturing artists and cultivating independent film with the Sundance Labs will be feted. Satter worked alongside festival founder Robert Redford since 1981. Satter launched with the annual Filmmakers Lab, and has mentored award-winning filmmakers such as Quentin Tarantino, Paul Thomas Anderson, Chloé Zhao, Dee Rees, John Cameron Mitchell, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Ryan Coogler, Miranda July, Kimberly Peirce, Darren Aronofsky, Sterlin Harjo, Taika Waititi, and more.
The gala will take place on Friday, January 24, 2025 at the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley in Utah. The event will be co-chaired by Board Chair Ebs Burnough and long time Board Trustee Pat Mitchell.
The 2025 festival will take place from January 23 through February 2, 2025, in person in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah, with a selection of titles available online from January 30 through February 2, 2025 for audiences across the country to discover bold independent storytelling.
The annual gala enables the nonprofit to raise funds to support independent artists year-round through labs, grants, and public programming that nurture artists from all over the world.
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