The opening night of the 2026 Sundance Film Festival on Thursday, January 22 brought out some of our favorite stars. Whether making their festival debut or returning as familiar faces, the celebrities lit up Park City with style.
A few highlights from the first day of the festival include the opening film, “Turner,” a comedy written and directed by Daniel Roher with Dustin Hoffman starring opposite Leo Woodall. Following that, the cast and crew of “Carousel,” including Chris Pine and Jenny Slate, attended the premiere at the Eccles Theatre. The cast and crew of the Scottish thriller “Incomer,” including stars Domhnall Gleeson, Gayle Rankin, and Grant O’Rourke, also celebrated their film’s premiere.
Later, for the Midnight premiere, the horror film “Saccharine,” directed by Natalie Erika James and starring Midori Francis, premiered at The Ray Theatre, and “Buddy” himself made a surprise appearance along with cast members Cristin Milioti, Delaney Quinn, Topher Grace, and Keegan-Michael Key, who participated in the press line and Q&A.
Here, we’ve rounded up the best photos from the first night of premieres that capture the essence of the iconic festival.
A-Listers Shine on the First Night of Sundance 2026
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GettyWhat Makes This Year’s Sundance Film Festival Different?
GettyThe 2026 Sundance Film Festival stands out as the final edition in Park City, Utah, before relocating to Boulder, Colorado, starting in 2027, serving as a historic curtain call that honors its 40-year legacy.
“We’re looking forward to commemorating the cherished experiences that we built together while looking to the future. These significant moments come from our shared history that launched some of the most iconic films that have continued to resonate for decades, fueled curiosity and change, and brought about unforgettable experiences,” states the official website for the festival.
“The local community across Utah is a crucial part of the Sundance Film Festival: our dedicated Institute team, passionate volunteers, partners who have uplifted our gathering, local artists who have collaborated with us, and enthusiastic audiences. Without you, the Festival would not be what it is today and into the future.”
According to Deadline, this year’s lineup features 90 feature-length films representing 28 countries and territories. The 2026 program is composed of 36 of 90 feature film directors who are first-time feature filmmakers. 14 of the feature films and projects selected were supported by Sundance Institute in development through direct granting or residency labs.
The festival will also be honoring the late Robert Redford, who was the founder and president of the Sundance Institute. He sadly passed away on September 16, 2025.
“We will be recognizing Robert Redford’s immense impact and his unwavering commitment to the nurturing and development of independent storytellers and their stories through the influential Sundance Institute Labs, Sundance Film Festival, and beyond — with special moments during the 2026 Festival.”
