Robert Redford, Hollywood Legend and Sundance Founder, Dies at 89

Hollywood has lost one of its most iconic stars. Robert Redford, a celebrated actor and filmmaker, died peacefully at his home in Utah on Tuesday at the age of 89.

Robert Redford died on September 16, 2025, at his home in Sundance, Utah, according to a statement from his publicists at Rogers & Cowan PMK. He was surrounded by loved ones at the place he cherished. His family has asked for privacy, and no details about the cause of death were released. He will be deeply missed.

Robert Redford, born in California in 1936, was a highly popular actor of his time. He rose to fame in the 1960s with successful films such as *Barefoot in the Park* and *The Candidate*, but he became especially well-known for *Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid*, where he first starred alongside Paul Newman.

The film was a huge success, paving the way for Robert Redford and Paul Newman to star together again in the popular comedy *The Sting* a few years later. *The Sting* was an even bigger hit, winning seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and earning Redford a Best Actor nomination.

Although Robert Redford didn’t receive an Oscar at first, he later won Best Director for his first feature film, *Ordinary People* (1980). The movie, which explores how a well-to-do family copes with loss, was a critical and commercial success, also winning Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and a Best Supporting Actor award for Timothy Hutton.

Robert Redford continued to be a leading actor and director for many years. He starred in several popular films from the 1970s, including *Jeremiah Johnson*, *The Hot Rock*, *Three Days of the Condor*, and *All the President’s Men*. The latter film, based on the book by Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward about the Watergate scandal, featured Redford as Bob Woodward.

Throughout the 1980s and 90s, Robert Redford starred in several popular films, including *The Natural*, the Academy Award-winning *Out of Africa*, *Sneakers*, *A River Runs Through It*, and *Quiz Show*, which depicted the quiz show cheating scandals of the 1950s. More recently, he’s known for his role as the villainous Alexander Pierce in the Marvel movies *Captain America: The Winter Soldier* and *Avengers: Endgame*.

Although Robert Redford has an impressive film career filled with iconic movies, he’ll probably be most remembered for establishing the Sundance Institute. He created this non-profit organization to support independent filmmakers. A few years after starting the Institute, it adopted and revitalized the existing US Film Festival in Utah, renaming it the Sundance Film Festival after Redford’s character in *Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid*.

For decades, Robert Redford was the public face and driving force behind the Sundance Film Festival, helping many filmmakers and actors begin their careers. His influence on independent film around the world is enormous, and Sundance remains a highly respected and important event. The festival recently announced it will be moving from its long-time location in Park City, Utah, to Boulder, Colorado.

Robert Redford created an amazing body of work in film. Even if his only roles were in classics like *Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid* and *All the President’s Men*, he would be eternally remembered. However, his legacy will continue to expand as the Sundance Film Festival and Institute keep supporting and nurturing emerging talent.

The 30 Best Movies of the Last 30 Years (1995-2024)

30. The Master (2012)

When Paul Thomas Anderson’s *The Master* came out in 2012, a lot of discussion focused on its connections to L. Ron Hubbard and the beginnings of Scientology. Many viewers and critics struggled to fully understand the film’s message. Was Lancaster Dodd (played by Philip Seymour Hoffman) a genuine spiritual guide, or a fraud? And what did he see in Freddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix), a man whose raw, primal nature seemed to contradict everything Dodd believed? Watching it again recently, I realized *The Master* is as much a strange love story as Anderson’s *Phantom Thread*. What struck me most was how poignant it is-a story about a man who claims to heal past-life trauma, yet can’t even help his most devoted follower cope with the pain of *this* life.

29. Devil in a Blue Dress (1995)

Is there anyone who looked better in a simple white tank top than Denzel Washington in *Devil in a Blue Dress*? While it’s not a traditional way to judge a film, it highlights how captivating Washington is in this role. Based on Walter Mosley’s novel, the movie features one of the most charismatic performances of the 90s. Washington plays Easy Rawlings, an out-of-work man who gets caught up in a complex and unexpected mystery when he searches for a missing person. The supporting cast, including Tom Sizemore, Jennifer Beals, and a standout Don Cheadle as Easy’s friend Mouse, is fantastic. The film, directed by Carl Franklin, also powerfully explores the racial tensions in 1940s Los Angeles, and honestly, Denzel Washington is mesmerizing throughout.

28. The Favourite (2018)

Yorgos Lanthimos’s *The Favourite* is a brilliantly funny and surprisingly moving film about the power struggles between the women surrounding Queen Anne in the early 1700s. Rachel Weisz plays the sharp and influential Lady Sarah, while Emma Stone embodies the ambitious and manipulative Abigail, and Olivia Colman delivers a wonderfully tragicomic performance as the ailing Queen. Despite appearing like a typical historical drama, *The Favourite* is far from predictable. It cleverly explores themes of sexuality, gender, and politics, all while being incredibly witty and memorable. The film suggests that favor is fleeting, but *The Favourite* is a movie I suspect I’ll continue to love for years to come.

27. Holy Motors (2012)

Leos Carax’s *Holy Motors* feels like the most incredible dream you can experience while awake. It’s a wildly imaginative and moving tribute to film, acting, and life itself, suggesting they’re all deeply connected. Denis Lavant delivers eleven captivating performances as Oscar, a man who journeys through Paris in a limousine, constantly transforming into different characters – from a motion-capture performer to a gangster and a beggar. While the specifics of Oscar’s work remain a mystery, the film powerfully demonstrates the enduring wonder and unrealized possibilities of cinema, especially at a time when traditional moviegoing and distribution methods are changing.

26. Jackie Brown (1997)

What I really appreciate about *Jackie Brown* is how flawed and realistic the characters are. Max Cherry isn’t a cool, intimidating gangster; he’s just a regular guy losing his hair. And Jackie Brown isn’t a criminal mastermind – she even practices her gun draw! Even Louis Gara has a very human moment, forgetting where he parked during a robbery. They feel like real people, and I think some of Tarantino’s later films could benefit from that same relatable quality. Some viewers were initially disappointed that *Jackie Brown* wasn’t as flashy or intricate as *Pulp Fiction*, but Tarantino’s more subtle choices actually work perfectly. The opening credits brilliantly set the stage for Jackie’s story, and scenes like the one with Ordell and Beaumont are phenomenal. Plus, the film features one of the most memorable movie kisses ever – not because it’s overtly passionate, but because it’s beautifully imperfect.

25. The Fabelmans (2022)

What makes *The Fabelmans* so special is Steven Spielberg’s enduring love for movies. Even decades after the events depicted in the film, his passion mirrors that of young Sammy Fabelman, who became instantly captivated by cinema after seeing *The Greatest Show on Earth*. Spielberg gained extensive filmmaking knowledge over the years, learning how to use visuals and sound to evoke a wide range of emotions. However, he never forgot *why* he started making movies in the first place.

*The Fabelmans* is Spielberg’s personal origin story, exploring both the beauty and the challenges of filmmaking and life itself. Cinema becomes a way for Sammy to deal with his feelings of anxiety and loneliness, though it sometimes leads to further isolation. His growing passion for directing creates a bond with his artistic mother, brilliantly portrayed by Michelle Williams, but also risks revealing a painful secret. Now, years later, Spielberg has crafted an incredible story filled with life, love, joy, and sadness – qualities that define all truly great films.

24. Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar (2021)

Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo, the creators of *Bridesmaids*, reunited for another hilarious comedy, *Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar*. They play two best friends who lose their jobs at a furniture store in Nebraska and decide to spend their severance pay on a fancy trip to Florida. While there, they both fall for a handsome stranger (Jamie Dornan, playfully poking fun at his own good looks) who is secretly part of a ridiculous plan to unleash killer mosquitoes on the town.

Wiig and Mumolo are fantastic, with their witty conversations covering everything from Tommy Bahama shirts to the appeal of the name Trish. The movie is so funny, its lines will likely be quoted for years to come! In tough times, *Barb and Star* arrived as a bright, sparkly escape, offering a much-needed dose of joy.

23. Inside Out (2015)

Even before becoming Pixar’s creative leader, Pete Docter was known as a brilliant talent at the studio. He helped write hits like *Toy Story*, *Toy Story 2*, and *WALL-E*, and went on to direct some of Pixar’s most beloved films: *Monsters, Inc.*, *Up*, and *Inside Out*. *Inside Out* is a uniquely imaginative story about what goes on inside the mind of an 11-year-old girl named Riley. When Riley moves from Minnesota to San Francisco, her life is turned upside down, leading to a conflict between the personified emotions in her brain. The film’s depiction of Riley’s mind is visually stunning and endlessly creative. But beyond its impressive visuals, *Inside Out* is a remarkably insightful film about the essential role sadness and grief play in our lives.

22. The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007)

The classic video game *Donkey Kong* is a surprisingly accurate reflection of life itself. It’s incredibly challenging, often unfair, and success often feels like pure luck. You might triumph, but you’re also likely to be unexpectedly knocked down, just like getting hit by a barrel thrown by a relentless gorilla who’s taken something precious from you. Even achieving the highest possible score doesn’t change the ultimate outcome – eventually, you fail. There’s no true winning, only an ending. And sometimes, you even have to contend with bizarre and manipulative figures along the way.

Essentially, *The King of Kong* isn’t just a film about competitive gaming; it’s a story about the human condition.

21. Memento (2000)

Don’t dismiss *Memento* as just a clever trick. While it’s true the film has a very complex structure – arguably one of the most complicated ever made – the way its timelines jump around isn’t just for show. It deliberately disorients the viewer to put them inside the mind of Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce), the main character, who suffers from a rare form of amnesia that prevents him from forming new memories.

Despite his condition, Leonard is determined to find his wife’s killer. The film begins by seemingly showing him succeed, then rewinds to reveal the truth. *Memento* quickly established Christopher Nolan as a promising director, but the film itself isn’t about coolness; it’s a tragic story about a man desperately trying to find meaning in his life. While Nolan continued to experiment with film structure and explore similar themes in his later work, he seemed to leave behind the dark humor present in *Memento* – from the confusing chase scene where it’s unclear who’s chasing whom, to the ironic name of Leonard’s hotel, the “Discount Inn” (a nod to how he constantly questions the truth of Sammy Jenkins’ story, a man he once knew with a similar condition).

20. L.A. Confidential (1997)

Just how many layers of revisiting the past does *L.A. Confidential* have? The film is set in the 1950s, clearly inspired by the 1970s classic *Chinatown*, and was made in the late 1990s-a time when large-scale, expensive crime dramas with mostly unknown actors were still possible (only Kevin Spacey and Kim Basinger were already established stars). Like the novel by James Ellroy that it’s based on, *L.A. Confidential* challenges the idea that the 1950s were a simpler, more innocent time in Los Angeles. The film suggests that’s a manufactured image, and the real story was hidden until Ellroy and director Curtis Hanson brought it to light.

19. The Prestige (2006)

Christopher Nolan’s *The Prestige* is a masterful film where his signature style – complex timelines, unexpected twists, and recurring themes like flawed characters and loss – all come together brilliantly. The story follows two competitive magicians in Victorian London, played by Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman, whose rivalry leads to both incredible inventions and deadly consequences. It’s a film built on layers of storytelling, examining the sacrifices artists make for their craft and the inherent conflict between good and evil within us all. What makes *The Prestige* so rewarding is that it remains captivating even after you know the secrets, revealing new details with each viewing if you pay close attention to Nolan’s clever foreshadowing.

18. The Social Network (2010)

Whether David Fincher’s film accurately depicts how Facebook began is open to discussion. However, it undeniably captures a particular kind of personality, perfectly embodied by Jesse Eisenberg’s portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg: incredibly intelligent, resentful, privileged, and craving acceptance. Many questioned Fincher’s choice to make a movie about Facebook in 2010, but it’s now clear it shares themes with his earlier film, *Fight Club* – both explore the stories of frustrated, isolated men whose anger has unforeseen results. A crucial element of the film is Justin Timberlake’s performance as Sean Parker, the Napster founder and early Facebook executive, who acts as a kind of mentor to Zuckerberg – much like Tyler Durden in *Fight Club*. Timberlake and Eisenberg even share a physical resemblance, looking like they could be brothers if fortune had favored one over the other. Zuckerberg deeply admires Parker and wants to be like him, and he’s almost within reach.

17. Nickel Boys (2024)

It’s rare to encounter a truly original film, one that feels genuinely new and pushes the boundaries of cinema. But every now and then, a movie like *Nickel Boys* arrives. This film is bold, insightful, and presents a unique perspective – actually, two. Director and co-screenwriter RaMell Ross made a striking choice: to film almost the entire adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel from the viewpoints of the two main characters. This incredible camerawork, achieved with cinematographer Jomo Fray, immerses you in the experiences of two young men fighting to survive a harsh reform school in 1960s Florida. It’s a technique that could easily feel forced, but in Ross’s hands, it feels revolutionary – like seeing the world, and perhaps the future of film, through fresh eyes. It’s baffling that Fray wasn’t nominated for an Oscar for his cinematography.

16. Past Lives (2023)

This moving and poignant film explores the unseen connections that shape our lives – whether you call it fate or destiny – and how these forces can both bring people together and pull them apart. It centers on Nora (Greta Lee) and Hae Sung (Teo Yoo), two people who share a deep connection but struggle to stay together. They cross paths several times throughout their lives – as children, in college, and as adults – and each time, circumstances have changed. However, their bond remains strong, even when Nora is married to Arthur (John Magaro). The film delicately portrays this love triangle, and its ultimately heartbreaking conclusion will leave you contemplating the defining moments and choices of your own life, and how their significance may only become clear with time.

15. Boyhood (2014)

For twelve years, director Richard Linklater secretly filmed scenes with the same actors – a boy (Ellar Coltrane), his mother (Patricia Arquette), and his sister (Lorelei Linklater) – a few days each year. While some might see this as a simple autobiographical exercise, the result is a fascinating look at American life in the early 2000s, and a deeply moving portrayal of one family’s love, struggles, and sacrifices. All movies deal with time, but *Boyhood* has a truly special connection to it. Seeing the actors genuinely age on screen adds an extra layer of emotion to many scenes, making moments of joy sweeter and moments of pain more impactful. When Patricia Arquette reflects on her life at the film’s end, her words carry the weight of a dozen years of real experience. As the late Roger Ebert eloquently put it, “Movies are windows into our world.” And I can’t think of a film that throws those windows open any wider than *Boyhood*.

14. Catch Me If You Can (2002)

Despite being a fun and lighthearted film, *Catch Me If You Can* is also a surprisingly moving story about loneliness and the importance of family. It features a fantastic cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio as the clever con artist Frank Abagnale Jr., Christopher Walken as his struggling father, Jennifer Garner and Amy Adams as his romantic interests, and Tom Hanks as the determined, but serious, FBI agent Carl Hanratty.

The entertaining cat-and-mouse game between Hanratty and Frank is also tinged with sadness. Both characters are incredibly lonely, and their relentless pursuit of each other becomes the central focus of their lives – a point beautifully illustrated by their yearly Christmas phone calls. In fact, *Catch Me If You Can* might just be the most bittersweet Christmas movie since *It’s a Wonderful Life*. If you don’t enjoy this film, I’m ready with a joke for you…

13. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

With its relentless action, *Mad Max: Fury Road* is easily the best car chase movie of the 21st century. But it’s much more than just a thrill ride. The film feels almost like a spiritual journey, echoing the biblical story of an exodus from a sinful land toward a promised paradise. Charlize Theron’s Furiosa leads a group of strong women across the desert, guided by the enigmatic Max (played by Tom Hardy) who helps them seek refuge but remains an outsider. George Miller’s spectacular film proves that action movies can be both exciting and intelligent – anyone who says otherwise is simply trying to provoke a reaction.

12. Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)

Martin Scorsese, now over 80 years old, continues to challenge himself and his viewers with his filmmaking. He still gets amazing performances from actors and explores familiar themes – the dangerous allure of wealth and the tragic side of American history. His latest film, *Killers of the Flower Moon*, focuses on the real-life “Reign of Terror” in the 1920s, where members of the Osage Nation were targeted after discovering oil on their land in Oklahoma. White neighbors, including Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio), who is married to an Osage woman (Lily Gladstone), are implicated in the crimes. Like with many of Scorsese’s recent films, this one feels like a fitting capstone to a remarkable career, and perhaps his last.

11. Boogie Nights (1997)

Paul Thomas Anderson’s film is a heartfelt, humorous, and ultimately sad look back at the golden age of the adult film industry in Southern California. It moves through the late 1970s with energy, introducing a memorable cast of characters, including a filmmaker modeled after Burt Reynolds and a troubled, maternal figure named Amber Waves, played by Julianne Moore. Through these individuals, the film isn’t just about porn; it’s a broader exploration of America – its beauty, its desires, and its struggles with depression and excess – during that era.

10. The Matrix (1999)

One of the few real perks of getting older is revisiting movies and seeing how well they stand the test of time. I remember seeing *The Matrix* when it first came out, and it was such an exciting experience that I can still picture the exact theater, auditorium, and even my seat! The trailers were promising, but the movie itself truly captivated me.

More than 20 years later, it still does. My only complaint about *The Matrix* is that it’s too engaging to have on in the background – you’ll end up abandoning whatever you’re doing and watching it all the way through… again!

9. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007)

2007 was a fantastic year for movies, but the one that really stuck with me was *The Diving Bell & The Butterfly*. It’s Julian Schnabel’s film based on Jean-Dominique Bauby’s memoir about living with locked-in syndrome. Bauby’s story, and how the movie conveyed his message about appreciating life, had a profound impact on me. I left the theater and instantly started planning to propose to my girlfriend – and 15 years and two kids later, I’m so glad I did! I recently rewatched it, and it’s just as powerful and moving as I remembered.

8. The Truman Show (1998)

It’s easy to feel like we’re living in a simulation, especially when you consider how accurately the movie *The Truman Show* predicted our current world. It captured the loss of privacy, constant advertising, widespread anxiety, and superficiality of modern life in a way that feels uncanny. Beyond being about a man in a reality TV show, the first half of the film is a surprisingly relatable portrayal of a mid-life crisis – that feeling of turning forty and questioning everything about your life.

7. Zodiac (2007)

David Fincher is known for directing thrillers about serial killers, but *Zodiac* is more than just that. It’s a journey through San Francisco’s history, seen through the perspectives of three men obsessed with solving the Zodiac Killer case. We follow a police inspector (Mark Ruffalo), who is said to have inspired the film *Bullitt*, a crime reporter (Robert Downey Jr.) whose coverage of the case made him a target, and an amateur detective (Jake Gyllenhaal) who can’t stop investigating even after the killings cease. What makes *Zodiac* truly stand out is its ability to show how all-consuming an obsession can be. Fincher immerses the audience in a complex web of clues and false leads using clever camera work and editing. By the film’s ending – which circles back to the very beginning after a tense two and a half hours – viewers fully understand Robert Graysmith’s relentless drive.

6. Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)

Many of the films Joel and Ethan Coen created together explore partnerships, and *Inside Llewyn Davis* is perhaps their most direct exploration of that theme. As I’ve discussed previously, the movie portrays New York’s folk music scene in the early 1960s, focusing on the unfortunate events experienced by a talented musician (Oscar Isaac, in a career-defining performance) after losing his musical partner. It’s noteworthy that Llewyn’s most beautiful song is a farewell, and it clearly lacks something when performed solo.

5.Lady Bird (2017)

Greta Gerwig’s film, *Lady Bird*, is structured around pairs and contrasts. The main character has two first names and experiences two romances and two close friendships throughout the story. The film covers two school semesters, each featuring a play and a dance, as well as two parties. She navigates unique relationships with both of her parents, and considers applications to two different colleges while attending two churches. This abundance of options makes *Lady Bird* a powerful film about making choices – and how, at that age, even small decisions can feel life-altering. In many ways, those feelings are true.

4. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

I can’t recall exactly where or when I first watched *Eternal Sunshine*, but it was around 20 years ago while I was living in New York City. The details of that initial viewing have faded with time, like so many memories do. In a way, that makes me appreciate the film even more now. What’s so compelling about *Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind* is that it uses a science fiction idea-a couple erasing each other from their memories-to explore how we naturally forget. Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet make a truly memorable couple, and part of that is because their relationship is destined to fail. Ultimately, all relationships end somehow, like a beach house slowly being washed away by the sea.

3. American Movie (1999)

This charming and often humorous documentary follows Mark Borchardt, an aspiring filmmaker, as he tries to finish a film he’s been working on for years. It’s a surprisingly poignant look at unrealized ambitions – Mark passionately talks about his creative drive but faces constant challenges. Beyond that, *American Movie* is a heartwarming story about friendship, showing how Mark depends on his friend Mike to help with his low-budget projects. It’s an enjoyable film for younger viewers, but can be powerfully moving for those who are older. It’s truly one of the best American films ever made.

2. Take Shelter (2011)

As someone who’s dealt with panic attacks, I honestly think *Take Shelter* is one of the best movies ever made about what it’s like to live with anxiety. It centers on Curtis LaForche, a family man played brilliantly by Michael Shannon, who’s happily married and has a lovely daughter, but he’s constantly plagued by terrifying nightmares of huge storms and this feeling that something awful is coming. Shannon’s performance is incredible, and Jessica Chastain is amazing as his wife. The movie really nails that awful cycle of fear – Curtis worries he’s losing his mind, because mental illness runs in his family, and that just makes his anxiety *worse*, which then scares him even more. A lot of people call the ending open to interpretation, but to me, it feels completely unavoidable. It understands that anxiety like this can’t be truly *defeated*. You can’t just build walls – whether physical or emotional – to protect the things you love. You can only learn to understand it and, with the help of the people who care about you, try to manage it.

1. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)

Actor Rick Dalton and his stuntman, Cliff Booth, have lunch with producer Marvin Schwarz at the Musso & Frank Grill. Marvin suggests Rick star in Italian Westerns, but Rick is unimpressed and feels deeply discouraged, believing his career is over. He breaks down in tears as soon as he leaves the restaurant. The camera focuses on the Musso & Frank Grill sign, emphasizing the words “Oldest in Hollywood” below the restaurant’s name.

Though Rick isn’t actually old news, he certainly *feels* that way in this moment, aware that his time in the spotlight may be running out. *Once Upon a Time in Hollywood* is a brilliant film, full of clever details like this one. It’s both a look back at a changing era in American history and a celebration of the movie industry, which itself was facing an uncertain future.

2025-09-16 16:34