Honorees

The inaugural Sundance Institute Trailblazer Award will be presented to an individual in recognition of their unwavering dedication and notable contributions to the field of independent film. Christopher Nolan fully exemplifies this legacy. He was celebrated by Sundance two decades ago when his breakthrough film, Memento, screened to great acclaim at the Festival. Memento’s 2001 Sundance debut garnered that year’s Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award and was ultimately nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Memento catapulted Nolan’s career, propelling him from independent films to major blockbusters, including The Dark Knight trilogy and this year’s triumph, Oppenheimer. One of the most acclaimed directors of our time, Christopher Nolan boldly pushes the parameters of cinematic storytelling.

Sundance Institute Visionary Award

The Sundance Institute Visionary Award recognizes a notable Sundance Institute alum’s contributions to the field of independent film and dedication to maintaining an independent spirit. This year’s award is being given to Kristen Stewart, who fully embodies the spirit of our mission and values. She received an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Princess Diana in Spencer, and her performance in Clouds of Sils Maria made her the first American actress to win a César Award. After her star rose in The Twilight Saga, she made her directorial debut, Come Swim, at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival.

Sundance Institute Vanguard Awards presented by Acura

The annual Sundance Institute Vanguard Awards, presented by Acura, will be given during the evening to honor artists whose work highlights the art of storytelling and creative independence in both nonfiction and fiction. The Sundance Institute Vanguard Award for nonfiction will be presented to Maite Alberdi, director of The Eternal Memory (2023 Sundance Film Festival) and The Mole Agent (2020 Sundance Film Festival), and the Sundance Institute Vanguard Award for fiction will go to Celine Song, director of Past Lives (2023 Sundance Film Festival). Alberdi and Song join the likes of past honorees such as W. Kamau Bell, Nikyatu Jusu, Ryan Coogler, Siân Heder, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Radha Blank, Lulu Wang, Dee Rees, Damien Chazelle, Marielle Heller, Benh Zeitlin, Boots Riley, and many more.

Sundance Institute Vanguard Award for Philanthropy

The Sundance Institute’s Vanguard Award for Philanthropy honors innovation, originality, and independent spirit as demonstrated through an exemplary commitment to philanthropy and social impact. Pat Mitchell, former Sundance Institute Board Chair and trustee, has exhibited a steadfast, decadeslong commitment to the Sundance Institute’s mission, the issues of women and girls, and global climate change. Throughout her career as an award-winning journalist and producer, her projects have received 34 Emmys, five Peabodys, and two Academy Award nominations, and as a media executive she was the first woman president of CNN Productions and PBS. She broke new ground for women and elevated the role of media for social change.