The star appears in two movies set to screen at the Sundance Film Festival in January

Kristen Stewart. PHOTO: COURTESY KRISTEN STEWART

Kristen Stewart will be honored at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.

On Thursday, the Sundance Institute announced that the star, 33, will receive the Visionary Award at its opening night gala Jan. 18. The award is meant to recognize Stewart’s “work as an uncompromising artist and contributions to the field of independent film” over her two decades in the industry.

“Stewart’s profound work as an actor has exemplified the bold, risk-taking storytelling that Sundance has championed for many years,” a press release reads, noting her 2022 Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Princess Diana in Spencer.

Sundance also noted that 10 movies featuring Stewart’s work have screened at the festival over the years, including her 2017 directorial debut short film Come Swim.

“Sundance’s purity, lack of fussy pretension, and its commitment to supporting independence in an industry that doesn’t always value the radical or the sidelined is what makes it by far the homiest place for me to go see, discuss and present films,” Stewart said in a statement. “Truly honored to be acknowledged by this beloved institution.”

Kristen Stewart Chanel Manchester 12 07 23

Kristen Stewart on Dec. 7, 2023. STEPHANE CARDINALE – CORBIS/CORBIS VIA GETTY
Stewart has two movies opening at Sundance in January: she stars in Love Lies Bleeding, a romantic drama from writer-director Rose Glass that costars Katy O’Brian, Ed Harris, Dave Franco and Jena Malone, and she will also appear alongside Steven Yeun in Love Me, from filmmaking duo Sam and Andrew Zuchero.

“Kristen’s captivating performances across a wide, diverse body of work make her a truly unique talent,” Sundance Institute CEO Joana Vicente said of Stewart in a statement. “With over 10 Sundance films under her belt, she has always remained committed to the art of independent cinema. We are excited to welcome her back to the Festival and can’t wait to see what she has in store for our 40th year.”

Stewart most recently appeared onscreen in last year’s science fiction horror movie Crimes of the Future. In 2023, she appeared in Rita Ora’s music video for her song “You Only Love Me” and also directed Boygenius’ Boygenius: The Film music video.

Kristen Stewart. COURTESY KRISTEN STEWART

The Sundance Institute previously announced that Oppenheimer director Christopher Nolan and Past Lives director Celine Song will also receive special awards at its opening night gala. Nolan, 53, will receive a brand-new honor, the Sundance Institute Trailblazer Award, while Song, 35, and filmmaker Maite Alberd will each receive the Vanguard Award.
The full 2024 Sundance Film Festival lineup can be found here. The festival will run from Jan. 18 to Jan. 28.