James Mangold, Cynthia Erivo, and ‘Sugarcane’ directors honored at Sundance Film Festival

PARK CITY, Utah — The Sundance Film Festival welcomes creatives from all aspects of the industry, including many of this year’s Oscar nominees.

“A Complete Unknown” director James Mangold is set to be honored with the Trailblazer Award, while “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo will be receiving the Visionary Award during the Sundance Film Festival Gala.

Mangold’s history with Sundance dates back to 1994 when he first engaged with the Institute’s artist programs. In 1995, he was recognized with the festival’s Special Jury Prize for Directing for his debut film, “Heavy.” Currently, he is a nominee for Best Director and Best Picture at this year’s Oscars.

The co-directors of National Geographic’s “Sugarcane,” Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie, will be receiving the Vanguard Awards, which are designed to celebrate up-and-coming artists and shine a spotlight on independent storytelling.

“Sugarcane” originally premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the U.S. Documentary for Directing Award. The film has since been nominated for the Best Documentary Feature Oscar. “Sugarcane” is streaming now on Hulu.

The festival seeks new voices and fresh perspectives, not just in its documentaries, narrative features and shorts, but in all of its programming.

Among the sponsors at the festival amplifying fresh perspectives is GLAAD, a non-profit focusing “on LGBTQ advocacy and cultural change.” The organization hosted its second annual “Cheers, Queers” event, which uplifts queer voices at the festival.

The Sundance Film Festival will continue through Feb. 2.

The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of this ABC station.