The 42nd edition of the Sundance Film Festival commences this week in Park City, Utah, heralding a significant moment in cinematic history. This year's event represents the final chapter in the festival's long-standing association with its Utah home, while also marking the first iteration without its iconic founder, Robert Redford, who passed away in September at the age of 89.
A Festival in Transition with Cinematic Vitality
Despite this period of profound transition and change, the core essence of Sundance—its unwavering dedication to groundbreaking cinema—remains as dynamic and innovative as ever. A total of 90 feature films are set to premiere during the festival, which runs from Thursday, January 22nd through Sunday, February 1st. Notably, three of these productions feature the acclaimed pop sensation Charli xcx, adding a contemporary musical flair to the lineup.
Eugene Hernandez, the public programming director at Sundance, described the selection to The Associated Press as a "broad, eclectic and bold program." He elaborated that the lineup for this final Utah edition skillfully blends "new, exciting voices paired with some really, really great familiar faces from Sundances past," predicting it will create a unique and powerful alchemy for audiences.
Star-Studded Attendees and Premieres
The mountainous backdrop of Park City is expected to attract a glittering array of celebrities. Anticipated appearances include Natalie Portman, Ethan Hawke, Russell Crowe, Brittney Griner, Seth Rogen, Olivia Wilde, and Catherine Zeta-Jones, among many others. The festival schedule is packed, with screenings commencing early each morning and continuing until midnight, culminating in the announcement of award winners on January 30th.
Honouring a Cinematic Legacy
Robert Redford's immense contribution to independent film will be a central focus throughout the festival. A special tribute is planned for the founder at Friday night's annual fundraising gala. Additionally, the programme includes a screening of his seminal 1969 independent sports drama, "Downhill Racer," alongside a series of legacy screenings featuring restored classics such as "Little Miss Sunshine" and Barbara Kopple's documentary "American Dream."
Highlighted Films Generating Buzz
The 2026 slate is brimming with anticipated premieres. Olivia Wilde directs and stars in "The Invite," a film featuring an unhappy married couple hosting a dinner party for friends played by Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton. Gregg Araki presents "I Want Your Sex," described as a sex-positive love letter to Generation Z, with Wilde appearing as a provocative artist.
Natalie Portman leads the ensemble cast of Cathy Yan's art world satire "The Gallerist," sporting platinum blonde hair alongside co-stars Zach Galifianakis and Jenna Ortega. Both "I Want Your Sex" and "The Gallerist" feature supporting roles from Charli xcx, whose major showcase is the self-referential mockumentary "The Moment."
Other notable entries include Russell Crowe and Ethan Hawke in "The Weight," a drama set in a 1930s Oregon work camp, and Olivia Colman alongside Alexander Skarsgård in the whimsical tale "Wicker." The documentary section features works on artificial intelligence, Courtney Love, and WNBA star Brittney Griner's detention in Russia.
Digital Access and Future Releases
For those unable to travel to Utah, the festival continues its robust online component. Starting January 29th, audiences can stream films in competition digitally, with single film tickets beginning at $35. This initiative, originally a pandemic-era adjustment, has become a permanent and vital part of Sundance's accessibility.
Theatrical release dates for festival films vary. Some, like A24's "The Moment," have confirmed distribution and will hit cinemas shortly after the festival concludes. Others may secure deals during the event, with release timelines ranging from a few weeks to over a year.
A Historic Move for the Festival
This edition firmly closes the book on Sundance's tenure in Park City. As confirmed, the festival will relocate to a new home in Boulder, Colorado, beginning in January 2027, making the 2026 event a truly historic and poignant farewell to its traditional Utah setting.
