Robert Redford is being remembered by Hollywood as one of the most iconic stars in film history. The Oscar winner died on Tuesday at his Utah home at 89 years old after a career that spanned classic movies such as “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and “All the President’s Men,” an Academy Award win for directing “Ordinary People” and the founding of the Sundance Film Institute, among other milestones.
“Robert Redford passed away on September 16, 2025, at his home at Sundance in the mountains of Utah — the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved,” a statement announcing Redford’s death reads. “He will be missed greatly. The family requests privacy.”
Redford’s support of independent cinema through the creation of Sundance was at the forefront of many reactions. As Oscar winner Marlee Matlin wrote on X: “Our film, ‘CODA,’ came to the attention of everyone because of Sundance. And Sundance happened because of Robert Redford. A genius has passed. RIP Robert.”
Redford founded the Sundance Film Institute in 1981 after winning the Oscar for directing “Ordinary People.” While the effort put his own career on hold for at least three years, it launched a new independent film movement in the U.S. that gave rise to the filmmaking careers of Steven Soderbergh, Ava DuVernay, Rian Johnson, Kevin Smith, Quentin Tarantino and more artists over the years.
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DuVernay, who won an award at Sundance for her 2014 feature “Middle of Nowhere,” credited Redford and the festival for her career trajectory. “Thank you for your dream. Your vision changed my life. Thank you for the rocketship you built for all of us filmmakers. We traveled whole worlds within our stories because you gave us a safe place to land. You gave us a sun around which to orbit. Bless you, Sir.”
Ethan Hawke referred to Redford as “our ultimate champion of independent film, relentless advocate for authentic storytelling and fiercely passionate environmentalist.” Hawke, who has been at Sundance with many films including “Before Sunrise” and “Boyhood,” continued, “Robert’s legacy remains ingrained in our culture, transformed by his artistry, activism and the founding of Sundance Institute and Film Festival.”
Rosie O’Donnell posted a photo on Instagram of Redford and Barbra Streisand from the classic romance film “The Way We Were” and added the caption: “We will never be the same. Goodnight, Bob. What a legacy.”
Colman Domingo posted on X: “With love and admiration. Thank you Mr. Redford for your everlasting impact. Will be felt for generations. R.I.P.”
“Superman” director James Gunn called Redford “THE movie star,” adding “I grew up with his movies: his quiet, unforced performances and ever-present grace. He […] will be greatly missed.”
Cannes Film Festival director Thierry Fremaux shared a tribute to Redford with Variety, writing: “Forever Robert Redford. Forever the cowboy, the fugitive, the candidate, the prisoner, the Great Gatsby, the con man, the student, the playboy, the loner, the cryptographer, the soldier, the reporter, the rodeo champion, the lover, the baseball star, the sailor, the horse whisperer… More than 70 roles, nine films directed, founder of the Sundance Film Festival. And, throughout his life devoted to cinema, an unparalleled elegance in his commitments and struggles. Redford was more than a legend: he was a role model. Forever Robert Redford, the electric horseman who loved freedom.”
Juliette Binoche, who will soon make her directorial debut with “In-I In Motion,” shared that Redford was influential in her decision to step behind the camera.
“Robert Redford’s enthusiasm, fire, love for art, inspired me to do my film ‘In-I In Motion.’ After seeing the ‘In-I’ show in New-York, he strongly asked me to make a film of it. I did it,” Binoche said. “I will always thank him for generously inspired me. Artists have to inspire other people’s lives and potentials.”
Redford’s last on-screen acting job was in 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame,” in which he reprised his role as Secretary Alexander Pierce and joined several other Marvel vets such as Michael Douglas and Tilda Swinton. Check out more tributes to Redford in the post below:
From Variety US