Robert Redford is remembered by Hollywood as one of the most iconic stars in cinema history. The Oscar winner won an Academy Award Tuesday for directing “Normal People” across classic films such as “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and “The Men of All Presidents,” and passed away at his Utah home on Tuesday after serving a career that spanned the other milestones that marked the establishment of the Sundance Film Institute.
“Robert Redford passed away on September 16, 2025 at his Sundance home in the mountains of Utah, surrounded by the people he loved,” reads a statement announcing Redford’s death. “He’s going to be overlooked a lot. The family demands privacy.”
Redford’s support for independent films by creating Sundance was at the forefront of many reactions. As Oscar winner Marley Matlin wrote to X, “Our film “Coda” attracted everyone’s attention for Sundance. And then Sundance happened for Robert Redford. The genius has passed. Lip Robert. ”
Redford founded the Sundance Film Institute in 1981 after winning an Oscar for directing “Ordinary People.” This effort put his own career on hold for at least three years, but it launched a new independent film movement in the United States.
Duvernay, who won the Sundance award for her 2014 feature “Middle of Nowhere,” praised Redford and the festival for the trajectory of her career. “Thank you for your dreams. Your vision has changed my life. I am grateful for the rocket ship you built for all of us filmmakers. We traveled the whole world in our stories as you gave us a safe place to land.
Ethan Hawk called Redford “the ultimate champion of independent cinema, the relentless advocate of authentic storytelling and fiercely passionate environmentalists.” Hawke, who was at Sundance in many films, including “Before Sunrise” and “Boyhood.”
Rosie O’Donnell posted a photo on Redford and Barbra Streisand’s Instagram for the classic romance film The Way We of, saying, “We’re never the same. Good night, Bob.”
Colman Domingo posted on X: “With love and admiration. Thank you, Mr. Redford, for your eternal impact. It feels like it for generations. RIP.”
“Superman” director James Gunn called Redford a “movie star” and said, “I grew up in his films: his quiet, nonexistent performance and constantly present grace. He (…) would be greatly missed.”
Thierry Fremeau, director of the Cannes Film Festival, shared his tribute to Redford with Variety, writing: The nine films that were founders of the Sundance Film Festival.
Juliet Binoche, who will soon make her directorial debut with “In-I Motion,” shared that Redford influenced her decision to step behind the camera.
“Robert Redford’s enthusiasm, fire and love for art led me to do the film “In-I in Motion.” After seeing the “In-I” show in New York, he insisted on making a film where I did it,” Binoche said. “I always thank him for generously inspiring me. Artists have to inspire other people’s lives and possibilities.”
Redford’s final on-screen acting job was in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame. He recreated his role as Secretary Alexander Pierce and joined other Marvel veterinarians, including Michael Douglas and Tilda Swinton. Check out more tributes to Redford in the post below.
