Sundance 2026 Kicks Off with Star Power and Bold Storytelling on Day One
- Teresa Robinson
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
The highly anticipated 2026 Sundance Film Festival officially launched on Thursday, January 22, setting the tone for ten days of bold storytelling, fresh perspectives, and unforgettable cinematic moments. From packed premieres to meaningful conversations with filmmakers, Day One brought together original voices and eager audiences in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah, reaffirming Sundance’s role as a global hub for independent film.
This year’s opening day was marked by an impressive lineup of talent, including Leslie Mann, Judd Apatow, Chris Pine, Jenny Slate, Cristin Milioti, Domhnall Gleeson, Riz Ahmed, Topher Grace, Keegan-Michael Key, Edward James Olmos, Lou Diamond Phillips, Adriana Paz, and more—many of whom took part in press lines, Q&As, and celebratory moments throughout the day.
The Festival runs January 22–February 1, 2026, with select films available online beginning January 29, allowing audiences nationwide to experience Sundance’s signature independent storytelling.
Jury Orientation Sets the Stage
Day One began with Jury Orientation at The Park, welcoming the jurors responsible for awarding excellence in cinematic and artistic achievement across the Festival’s competitive sections.
The 2026 Sundance Film Festival Jury includes:
U.S. Dramatic Competition: Janicza Bravo, Nisha Ganatra, Azazel Jacobs
U.S. Documentary Competition: Natalia Almada, Justin Chang, Jennie Livingston
World Cinema Dramatic Competition: Ana Katz, So Yong Kim, Tatiana Maslany
World Cinema Documentary Competition: Toni Kamau, Bao Nguyen, Kirsten Schaffer
Short Film Program Competition: Liv Constable-Maxwell, A.V. Rockwell, Martin Starr
NEXT Section: John Cooper and Trevor Groth
Ahead of the Festival, the Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize was awarded to In the Blink of an Eye, directed by Andrew Stanton and written by Colby Day, honoring its thoughtful exploration of science and technology themes.
Day One Premieres: Highlights from January 22
The Lake
Utah-based writer and director Abby Ellis attended the premiere of her urgent and timely documentary, sharing the film’s personal and regional significance with audiences.
Carousel
With every seat filled at the Eccles Theatre, Chris Pine and Jenny Slate joined director Rachel Lambert for a highly anticipated premiere. Reflecting on his performance, Pine shared, “Rachel’s script was so delicate and intimate… what she brought to life without hitting the nail over the head was loneliness and human beings desperately trying to touch and connect.”
The Incomer
Laughter echoed throughout the theater during this crowd-pleasing premiere, with stars Domhnall Gleeson, Gayle Rankin, and Grant O’Rourke in attendance.
Paralyzed by Hope: The Maria Bamford Story
Directors Judd Apatow and Neil Berkeley presented a deeply personal documentary chronicling comedian Maria Bamford’s life and mental health journey. The premiere struck an emotional balance—uplifting, raw, and genuinely funny. Leslie Mann appeared in support, adding to the moment’s warmth.
The History of Concrete
John Wilson made his feature directorial debut with a film that defies easy description—effortlessly hilarious and unmistakably original.
Buddy (Midnight)
The Midnight premiere delivered one of Day One’s most memorable moments when Buddy himself made a surprise appearance. Cast members Cristin Milioti, Delaney Quinn, Topher Grace, and Keegan-Michael Key joined for press and a lively Q&A, solidifying the film as a must-see.
Shorts Program 1
The first shorts program showcased The Oracle, Sauna Sickness, Living with a Visionary, Pankaja, Candy Bar, and La Tierra del Valor (The Home of the Brave). Talent in attendance included Nash Edgerton and Cristina Costantini, highlighting the continued strength of short-form storytelling at Sundance.
Capturing the Moment
Festival energy was on full display across press lines and events, with notable appearances including Alejandro Edda, Olive Nwosu, Abby Ellis, Eugene Hernandez, Daniel Roher, and Sajid Sadpara alongside fellow filmmakers and creatives. Photos, soundbites, and b-roll from Day One will continue to be updated throughout the Festival.
A Look Ahead: Day Two
The excitement continues on Friday, January 23 (Day Two) with the Celebrating Sundance Institute Fundraising Gala and premieres including:
Hot Water, Josephine, Extra Geography, American Doctor, I Want Your Sex, The Shitheads, The Moment, Leviticus, and Mum, I’m Alien Pregnant.
Festival-goers can explore the full lineup in the Program Guide at festival.sundance.org/program/films.
Tickets and additional Festival information are available at festival.sundance.org.
