Ethan Hawke and Woody Harrelson Turn Robert Redford Tribute Into a Night of Sweet — and Shockingly Spicy — Confessions

The 2026 Sundance Film Festival kicked off this week in Park City, Utah, marking the end of an era as it prepares to move to Boulder, Colorado, in 2027. This year was also the first since the passing of festival founder Robert Redford, and the festival honored him with a special tribute that had filmmakers, actors, and fans reflecting on his legacy.

During the gala, Woody Harrelson shared some memorable stories about Redford, mixing humor with admiration. Speaking about his role in 1993’s Indecent Proposal, Harrelson joked, He’s the only man on Earth I would sell my wife to. I also admit, unabashedly, that he is the only man I would return the money to to take me for a night.

He also recalled a personal story about his mother, who overcame her fear of flying just to meet Redford on set. He was so sweet. He took the time to really talk with her. I’ll always be grateful for his generosity and his kindness. I never saw my mother so happy in her life, bubbling over with joy and lust, Harrelson said.

Beyond the laughs, Harrelson highlighted Redford’s commitment to environmental causes. He recalled a time when Congress was considering opening millions of acres of Montana wilderness to development.

I was trying to stop this bill, and several times I asked Robert to call a senator who had been unreachable and intractable. And you can believe that the senator took that call from Robert and changed his tune, he explained. Robert’s contribution to protecting the environment was part of what made him a truly great American.

Other filmmakers joined in honoring Redford. Ava DuVernay spoke about his encouragement and his playful insistence that she call him “Bob.” Ethan Hawke shared personal memories, including a failed audition for A River Runs Through It. Redford had told him, You just did a brilliant job and you’re too young for this part. I’m not going to cast you, but I want you to know that you’re going to have a wonderful career. Hawke also recounted Redford’s later advice: to stop wearing a cowboy hat in public, People think you’re losing your hair, he had joked.

Harrelson is preparing for his next Apple TV+ comedy series, Brothers, where he reunites with Matthew McConaughey. He also hosts a podcast with Ted Danson, Where Everybody Knows Your Name, sharing stories from his decades in Hollywood.

Outside of acting, Harrelson continues to advocate for sustainable living through his organic lounge and cannabis dispensary.

The tribute underscored Redford’s impact on Hollywood and the Sundance community. With the festival preparing to move to Boulder, many are already reflecting on the magic of Park City and wondering how the change in location might affect the event’s character.

The tribute showed how much of a personal and cultural touchstone Redford was for filmmakers and audiences alike. His humor, generosity, and activism left a mark that will be felt at Sundance for years to come. Do you think the festival will feel the same when it moves to Boulder, or will it lose some of its Park City charm? Share your thoughts in the comments.