Kristen Stewart expressed her deep affection for the Sundance Film Festival, exclaiming, “Sundance is the best! I love being here,” during her acceptance speech for the Visionary Award at the festival’s fundraising gala. The event, officially titled the Opening Night Gala: Celebrating 40 Years Presented by Chase Sapphire, took place at the DeJoria Center in Kamas, Utah.
At 33, Stewart is a seasoned Sundance participant, having had 10 films showcased at the festival. This year, she returns with two more films: Love Me and Love Lies Bleeding. Clad in a tweed suit by Chanel, Stewart reminisced about her first visit to Park City, emphasizing the festival’s profound impact on her. She expressed her gratitude for being recognized by a community she holds in high regard, stating, “Words were only as meaningful as the people and places that give them to you… and to be accepted by the community I have admired so personally, it is so lovely and enlivening. It is so well-timed. I need this.”
Stewart’s acceptance of the award was part of a program that also honored Christopher Nolan, Celine Song, Maite Alberdi, and Sundance board chair Pat Mitchell. The event aimed to raise funds and awareness for the Sundance Institute and its efforts to support independent voices through artist programs and grants. Jodie Foster, who presented an award to Alberdi, expressed her admiration for the filmmaker, saying, “Love her, what an incredible artist.”
