The Sundance Institute has announced that Kristen Stewart will be honored with the Visionary Award at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival‘s fundraiser, Opening Night Gala: Celebrating 40 Years Presented by Chase Sapphire, which will be held on Jan. 18 at Utah’s DeJoria Center.
Per the Sundance Institute, Stewart receives this honor for “her work as an uncompromising artist and contributions to the field of independent film.” In recent years, Stewart has appeared in several independent films, including Pablo Larraín’s Princess Diana biopic “Spencer,” for which she was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress. For her performance in “Clouds of Sils Maria,” she was the first American actress to win the prestigious French Cesar award. She’s also starred in “The Runaways,” “Adventureland” and “Lizzie.” Her directorial debut “Come Swim” screened at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival.
“We are thrilled to honor the immensely talented Kristen Stewart at our Opening Night Gala,” saidJoana Vicente, CEO of the Sundance Institute.“Kristen’s captivating performances across a wide, diverse body of work make her a truly unique talent. With over ten Sundance films under her belt, she has always remained committed to the art of independent cinema. We are excited to welcome her back to the festival and can’t wait to see what she has in store for our 40th year.”
Stewart also commented on her upcoming honor.
“Sundance’s purity, lack of fussy pretension and its commitment to supporting independence in an industry that doesn’t always value the radical or the sidelined is what makes it by far the homiest place for me to go see, discuss and present films,” said Stewart. “Truly honored to be acknowledged by this beloved institution.”
The gala’s previously announced honorees include Christopher Nolan, who will receive the Sundance Institute Trailblazer Award. The Vanguard Award for Fiction will go to “Past Lives” writer-director Celine Song and the Vanguard Award for Nonfiction will go to Maite Alberdi, who directed “The Eternal Memory.” Finally, journalist and producer Pat Mitchell will receive the Vanguard Award for Philanthropy.
