As the fest wraps up its final year in Park City, The Hollywood Reporter dives deep with top filmmakers (Linklater! Coogler! Aronofsky!) in a decades-spanning oral history. Plus: Inside the puffer-filled premieres and parties — and the latest interviews, videos and breaking news from the 2026 lineup.
Cover illustrated and animated by cody muir
The Ultimate Sundance Oral History: “Screaming, Crying and Almost Throwing Up”
As the fest prepares for a final bow before relocating to Boulder, Colorado, Sundance alumni recount how America’s most consequential film festival launched careers, crushed nerves and rewrote the rules of independent cinema.
By chris gardner, mia galuppo and David canfield
Salman Rushdie Reveals How He Survived the Attack That Nearly Killed Him
The author gives his first interview ahead of the premiere of Alex Gibney’s intimate doc that reframes his story as one of survival, partnership and defiance. He still doesn’t want to be a symbol.
“When I got pregnant, in my very first doctor’s appointment, one of my first questions was: ‘If my movie gets into Sundance, will I be able to go?’ ”
Marielle Heller
“In November 1993, when I said, ‘Oh my God, I got into Sundance!’ people were like, ‘What is that?’ ”
Kevin Smith
“I introduced the movie and went to the back of the theater. As the lights went down, I started to cry — not just tears but really sobbing.”
Zach Braff
“Sundance has never been more important because independent film is in crisis. … We need community and we need new possibilities.”
Lauren Greenfield
“There’s no greater gift you can give your mom than 10 minutes with Bob Redford.”
Ed Burns
“Michelle Satter told me she was proud of me. I remember that vividly. She don’t bullshit, bro — she don’t lie. She said, ‘I’m so proud of you.’ ”
Ryan Coogler
“I wouldn’t be the filmmaker I am today without Sundance, and there are many people who would say the same.”
Todd Field
“Sundance is a pressure cooker that can be really thrilling but also really humbling.”
Daniel Kwan
“Joel Coen and Frances McDormand sat in the row in front of me. When the movie ended, Fran stood up, turned around and said, ‘Good job, kid.’ ”
Karyn Kusama
“All the other shit falls away when the lights go down and a new movie, an unknown quantity, starts to play.”
John Sayles
photos
Snow-Stoppers: THR’s Sundance Studio
Channing Tatum, Charli xcx, Chase Sui Wonders, Domhnall Gleeson, Chris Pine, Jenny Slate, Dave Franco, Danielle Brooks and Cristin Milioti are among the stars who stopped by the Pendry Hotel space at the 2026 edition of the festival.
in memoriam
“The King on Main Street”: What Robert Redford Meant to Sundance
Darren Aronofsky, Richard Linklater, Kenneth Lonergan and others share stories of the founder whose quiet encouragement shaped generations of independent filmmakers
FROM THE ARCHIVES: Robert Redford at 77: More Acting, a Possible Exit From Sundance and Poignant Regret
video
Sundance: Capture It, Remember It
As the festival prepares to move from Park City to Boulder, THR looks back at all the highs (and lows) of the picture-perfect playground
Déjà Review
Festival Classics
Festival Classics
THR’s original critics’ takes on grand jury winners, audience favorites and hidden gems
from the archives
Vintage Photos of Park City’s Biggest Stars
Vintage Photos of Park City’s Biggest Stars
From Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez’s first trips to decades-old photos of Robert Redford and Clint Eastwood, THR looks back at the fest’s rich history.
