Sundance 2026 Celebrates Its Legacy with Iconic Screenings, Star Power, and a Nationwide Online Experience

Independent film takes center stage once again as the 2026 Sundance Film Festival brings together filmmakers, actors, and audiences to celebrate storytelling that continues to shape cinema.

The Festival is in full swing in Park City and Salt Lake City, blending legacy screenings, filmmaker conversations, and expanded online access for audiences across the country.

On January 29, Sundance welcomed an impressive lineup of filmmakers and actors including Elijah Wood, Anthony Mackie, Mark Duplass, James Wan, Shareeka Epps, Leigh Whannell, Daniel Noah, Joshua Leonard, and Alycia Delmore, along with a surprise appearance by the iconic Billy the Puppet. Attendees packed Cinema Café events, participated in insightful Q and As, and reflected on the Festival’s rich history through special legacy programming.

Sundance Goes Nationwide with Its Online Festival Experience

In addition to the in-person excitement in Utah, the Sundance online festival experience officially launched on January 29. Through February 1, at-home audiences across the United States can stream a selection of films on demand. Over half of the projects shown during the Festival, including all competition films, are available online, expanding access to Sundance’s signature independent voices.

Adding a pop culture moment to the day, Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star and self-proclaimed Queen of Sundance, Lisa Barlow, shared her tips for hosting the ultimate Sundance Film Festival screening from home.

January 29 Highlights

Cinema Café Visitations Live Podcast Presented by Audible
Cinema Café continued its tradition of thoughtful conversations with a live taping of the Visitations podcast featuring Elijah Wood, Daniel Noah, and James Wan. The discussion offered audiences a deeper look into storytelling, filmmaking, and creative collaboration.

Park City Legacy Program
Running through January 30, the Park City Legacy Program honors Sundance’s history with archival and restoration screenings of films that helped define the Festival’s identity.

Humpday 2009
The Special Jury Prize winning comedy returned to Sundance screens with Mark Duplass, Joshua Leonard, and Alycia Delmore in attendance. The filmmakers reflected on the film’s impact and paid tribute to director Lynn Shelton.

Half Nelson 2006
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the acclaimed film brought together director Ryan Fleck, screenwriter Anna Boden, producers, and cast members including Anthony Mackie and Shareeka Epps for a meaningful return to Park City.

Saw 2004
A defining film in modern horror, Saw screened as part of the legacy lineup with James Wan and Leigh Whannell present, alongside the unforgettable Billy the Puppet, who also made a Park City appearance earlier in the day.

Awards and Special Events

The Sundance Alumni Party presented by Kanopy brought together multiple generations of filmmakers for an evening of reflection and celebration. Attendees paid tribute to founder Robert Redford and shared memories from past Sundance Film Festivals.

Kanopy also hosted an activation styled like a classic video store, featuring VHS tapes of films that have screened at Sundance throughout its history. Alumni and industry leaders browsed titles that had the biggest impact on them both professionally and personally.

Looking Ahead

The Festival continues on January 30 with a legacy screening of Downhill Racer starring Robert Redford and a special tribute honoring four decades of Sundance in Park City.

The 2026 Sundance Film Festival runs from January 22 through February 1, with events taking place in Park City and Salt Lake City and online screenings available nationwide from January 29 through February 1.

For ongoing highlights, photos, and behind-the-scenes moments, visit festival.sundance.org and follow Sundance on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X, and YouTube.