Royal Appearances, Standing Ovations, and Big Premieres Ignite Day Three of Sundance 2026

Natalie Portman, Jenna Ortega, Charli xcx, Cathy Yan, Sophie Mas and Ash Sarohia attend the premiere of The Gallerist by Cathy Yan, an official selection of the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. © 2026 Sundance Institute | photo by Jemal Countess

Three days into the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, Park City feels fully alive. The streets are packed, the lines are long, and every corner hums with conversation as filmmakers, talent, and festivalgoers move from screenings to panels to late-night conversations that stretch well past midnight. Saturday delivers exactly what Sundance does best: big moments on screen, meaningful recognition off it, and a sense that something special is unfolding in real time.

One of the most talked-about moments of the day comes with the premiere of Cookie Queens, the Salt Lake City Celebration Film presented by Zions Bank. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend the screening, where they serve as Executive Producers, and take time to meet with a group of Girl Scouts as well as the documentary’s subjects. Their presence adds to the buzz surrounding the film, which celebrates community and joy through its storytelling and sets a warm, celebratory tone for the day.

That momentum continues inside packed theaters across Park City. Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgård charm audiences in Wicker, a whimsical film that feels like a grown-up fairy tale. The screening is met with a standing ovation, leaving Colman visibly emotional as she shares her love for the story and its tone. Nearby, Olivia Wilde returns to the Festival for another day with The Invite, joined by Seth Rogen—making his first Sundance appearance in 14 years—and Edward Norton. The Eccles Theatre crowd responds with enthusiastic applause, and during the Q&A, Norton praises Wilde’s calm confidence as a director, noting that he kept asking himself, “Where’s the stress?” as she guided the project with ease.

Just as the energy peaks, Cathy Yan’s The Gallerist premieres to a delighted crowd, with Natalie Portman making her Sundance Film Festival debut alongside Jenna Ortega and Charli xcx. The film’s sharp look at the contemporary art world sparks lively conversation well beyond the theater doors, adding another standout moment to an already stacked day. Other notable talent premiering films on Saturday includes Taika Waititi, Mia Wasikowska, Elizabeth Debicki, Peter Dinklage, Danielle Brooks, and J. Alphonse Nicholson, each contributing to the sense that Park City has become the center of the cinematic universe.

Beyond the premieres, Sundance continues to affirm its commitment to nurturing new voices. During the Native Forum Celebration, held on Traditional Ute Nation Territory, the Sundance Institute announces its 2026 fellowship recipients. Masami Kawai is named the 2026 Merata Mita Fellow, an honor awarded annually to an Indigenous woman-identified artist preparing to direct a feature film. Named after late Māori filmmaker Merata Mita, the fellowship represents both legacy and forward momentum.

In addition, Isabella Dionne Madrigal and Tsanavi Spoonhunter are announced as the 2026 Graton Fellows. Now in its third year, the Graton Fellowship provides support to Indigenous storytellers from California-based tribes. The celebration brings together Indigenous Program Fellows, grantees, alumni, and supporters, recognizing Indigenous-led projects featured in this year’s Festival lineup while reinforcing Sundance’s long-standing dedication to inclusion and representation.

Saturday’s programming also spans a wide range of genres and formats. Taika Waititi attends the premiere of Fing!, joined by cast members Mia Wasikowska, Iona Bell, and Blake Harrison. During the Q&A, John Nein jokes that “every villain is the hero of their own story,” prompting laughter when he asks Waititi what it’s like to play a spoiled man-child. Waititi, never missing a beat, responds that it’s always fun—especially when working with a director who doesn’t ask him to dial it back.

The documentary Silenced delivers one of the day’s most powerful moments. Before the screening, director Selina Miles dedicates the film to women whose voices have been suppressed, stating, “Those who’ve been silenced, those who’ve never told anybody what happened to them, and those whose lives have been taken by gender-based violence—this film is for you. We see you, you matter, and I hope you feel recognized through this work.” The dedication lands with visible emotion in the room.

Elsewhere, Sundance Institute Directors Lab alumnus Walter Thompson-Hernández premieres his feature debut If I Go Will They Miss Me, adapted from his Jury Prize–winning short from the 2022 Festival. Danielle Brooks and J. Alphonse Nicholson attend the screening and publicly praise Thompson-Hernández for his work and for centering Black families and communities in Los Angeles with honesty and care.

Midnight audiences are treated to The Best Summer, Tamra Davis’ nostalgic documentary capturing the raw energy of Australia’s Summersault 1995 music festival. Featuring performances by Beastie Boys, Sonic Youth, Foo Fighters, Pavement, Rancid, Beck, The Amps, and Bikini Kill, the film unfolds through the intimate lens of a handheld camcorder, offering both grit and joy.

Short film programs continue to highlight emerging talent, with Shorts Program 2 and Shorts Program 3 showcasing a diverse slate of stories from around the world. These screenings, often quieter but no less impactful, reinforce Sundance’s role as a launchpad for future filmmakers.

As Day Three winds down, the anticipation for what’s next is already building. The Festival continues through February 1, 2026, in Park City and Salt Lake City, with select titles available online beginning January 29. With premieres, panels, and conversations still ahead, Sundance 2026 remains a powerful reminder of why this Festival endures: bold storytelling, meaningful recognition, and a shared belief in the power of independent voices.

The excitement continues tomorrow with Day Four, promising another full slate of premieres and unforgettable moments in the mountains of Utah.

The Sundance Film Festival continues through February 1, 2026, in Park City and Salt Lake City, with a selection of titles becoming available online beginning January 29. Audiences can explore upcoming premieres, events, and screenings by visiting festival.sundance.org, where tickets and full program details are available. With several days still ahead, Sundance 2026 shows no signs of slowing down as it continues to celebrate bold independent storytelling on a global stage.