The Sundance Institute’s annual gala became an emotional farewell to its late founder Robert Redford, who died in September at 89, as Hollywood’s most influential filmmakers and actors gathered in Park City for what will be the festival’s final gala there. Narrated by Ethan Hawke, the evening was both a celebration of Redford’s life and a reflection on his outsized impact on independent filmmaking.

Redford, the Oscar-winning actor behind classics such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and All the President’s Men, founded the Sundance Film Festival in 1978. His goal was simple but transformative: create a space where independent filmmakers could thrive outside the studio system. Over decades, Sundance became a global launchpad for new voices and bold storytelling.

The gala featured tributes from Woody Harrelson, Chloé Zhao, Ava DuVernay, and Taika Waititi, each sharing personal memories of Redford’s mentorship. Harrelson recalled working with Redford on Indecent Proposal, describing the experience as one of pure euphoria, while praising Redford’s ability to make collaborators feel both challenged and supported.

Chloé Zhao, recipient of the evening’s Trailblazer Award, credited Redford with shaping her understanding of leadership in film. “Trailblazing isn’t about dominance,” she said. “It’s about interdependence and community.” Director Nia DaCosta, who received the Vanguard Award, echoed those sentiments, noting how Sundance championed her early work when few others would.

Hawke shared a formative moment from his early career, recalling how Redford encouraged him after passing him over for a role in A River Runs Through It. Redford’s quiet confidence in others, Hawke said, was as impactful as any award. That generosity extended beyond the screen, with Redford famously attending small theater productions and debut screenings to support emerging artists.

A recurring theme throughout the night was Redford’s insistence on humility—asking everyone to call him “Bob.” Many, including DuVernay, admitted they never quite managed it, preferring “Mr. Redford” out of reverence. Taika Waititi punctured the formality with humor, quipping that “Bob” applied only to him.

The evening closed with a surprise performance by Patti LuPone and a heartfelt speech from Redford’s daughter, Amy Redford, who described the gala as a rare “homecoming” her father might have actually enjoyed. As the crowd rose in applause, the message was clear: Robert Redford’s legacy lives on not just in films, but in the generations of artists he believed in and helped bring into the light.