Essential Insights for Sundance 2026

Riley Calderon

ago 2 hours

The 42nd Sundance Film Festival is set to begin this week in Park City, Utah. This year’s festival marks significant transitions, being the last held in its longtime location and the first without founder Robert Redford, who passed away in September at age 89. Despite these changes, the primary focus remains on cinema, with an impressive lineup of 90 films premiering until February 1.

Festival Dates and Notable Guests

The festival runs from January 22 to February 1, featuring film screenings from early morning until midnight. Award winners will be announced on January 30. Notable celebrities expected to attend include:

Natalie Portman
Ethan Hawke
Russell Crowe
Brittney Griner
Seth Rogen
O’Shea Jackson Jr.
David Duchovny
Olivia Wilde
Daveed Diggs
Channing Tatum
Courtney Love
Chris Pine
Da’Vine Joy Randolph
Salman Rushdie
Alexander Skarsgård
Olivia Colman
John Turturro
Catherine Zeta-Jones

Honoring Robert Redford’s Legacy

Robert Redford’s contributions to Sundance will be highlighted throughout the festival. A tribute will take place during the annual fundraising gala on Friday night. Additionally, the festival will screen his first independent film, “Downhill Racer,” along with a collection of restored films that have had a significant impact on Sundance’s history.

Exciting Premieres and Noteworthy Films

This year’s festival boasts a diverse program featuring both new and familiar voices in cinema. Notable works include:

The Invite – Directed by Olivia Wilde, starring Wilde and Rogen as a couple hosting a dinner party for friends.
I Want Your Sex – A “sex-positive love letter to Gen Z” directed by Gregg Araki, featuring Wilde and Cooper Hoffman.
The Gallerist – An art world satire led by Natalie Portman and featuring Charli xcx.
The Moment – A mockumentary showcasing Charli xcx, highlighting her unique narrative.
Wicker – Starring Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgård in a whimsical tale.
The Weight – Featuring Crowe and Hawke in a dramatic depiction of a work camp.
Josephine – Starring Gemma Chan and Tatum as parents dealing with a crime.
Documentaries on Brittany Griner and Courtney Love, offering insight into their lives and stories.

Streaming Options and Future of Sundance

Sundance has embraced a digital component, allowing audiences to stream films online from January 29 to February 1. Tickets for these streams start at $35. This transition enables broader access, moving beyond the traditional need for an in-person visit to Park City.

Looking ahead, Sundance will relocate to Boulder, Colorado, after this year, continuing its legacy of showcasing independent films.

For more updates on the Sundance Film Festival 2026, visit Filmogaz.com.