James Mangold and Cynthia Erivo to Be Honored at 2025 Sundance Film Festival Gala in Utah
The Sundance Institute has announced the honorees for its 2025 gala fundraiser, Celebrating Sundance Institute Presented by Google TV, to be held on January 24, 2025, at the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley in Utah. This annual event celebrates independent storytellers while raising essential funds for the nonprofit’s year-round artist development programs.
Writer-director-producer James Mangold will be presented with the Trailblazer Award in recognition of his remarkable contributions to cinema. Mangold, whose works include Walk the Line, Ford v. Ferrari, and A Complete Unknown, has a longstanding relationship with Sundance, having developed the screenplay for Cop Land through the Institute’s Screenwriters and Directors Labs. Reflecting on the honor, Mangold stated, “Sundance has been many things in my life; a faraway dream on a mountain, a laboratory...and later, a place I have proudly mentored talented young filmmakers.”
Cynthia Erivo, a Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award–winning performer, will receive the Visionary Award for her transformative impact on stage and screen. Erivo, currently starring as Elphaba in Universal’s Wicked, expressed her gratitude, saying, “Sundance has always been a sanctuary for bold voices and transformative narratives.” Her career highlights include an Oscar-nominated portrayal in Harriet and her 2023 Sundance role in Drift.
The gala will also honor Michelle Satter, Founding Senior Director of Artist Programs at Sundance Institute, for her 40-year dedication to fostering independent filmmaking. Additionally, Vanguard Awards Presented by Acura will be bestowed upon Sean Wang (Dìdi), Julian Brave NoiseCat, and Emily Kassie (Sugarcane), who premiered their films at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.
The event is co-chaired by Sundance Board Chair Ebs Burnough and Board Trustee Pat Mitchell. Acting Sundance CEO Amanda Kelso praised the honorees, stating, “James’ career reflects bold and authentic storytelling... Cynthia’s journey, marked by electrifying performances, inspires and empowers creators alike.”
The 2025 Sundance Film Festival will run from January 23 to February 2, 2025, in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah, with select films available online from January 30 to February 2.