Sundance Film Festival 2025 Announces Winners Ahead of Closing
Amanda Kelso, Acting CEO of the Sundance Institute, said: “We congratulate all the winning filmmakers and thank them for their extraordinary stories. We believe these films foster empathy, understanding, and contribute to building a more inclusive society.”
Most festivals end with the announcement of winners on closing night. But the Sundance Film Festival in the United States follows a different tradition—honoring its winners two days before the curtain falls.
In line with that custom, the results of this year’s edition—held across Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah, beginning January 23—were revealed on the night of January 31 at a glittering ceremony hosted at The Ray Theatre.
Grand Jury Prize Winners
U.S. Dramatic Competition: Atropia (USA)
Director & Screenwriter: Hailey Gates
Producers: Naima Abed, Emily Georges, Luca Guadagnino, Lana Kim, Jet Steiger
Cast: Alia Shawkat, Callum Turner, Chloë Sevigny, Tim Heidecker, Jane Levy
Jury’s Comment: “Exceptional in its direction, writing, and perspective. A contemporary yet timeless political drama that satirically stages the theatre of war.”U.S. Documentary Competition: Seeds (USA)
Director & Producer: Brittany Shine
Producers: Daniel Varga, Sabrina Schmidt Gordon
Jury’s Comment: “A dreamlike documentary that signals the arrival of a new voice. It takes us deep into forgotten realities while highlighting the significance of agriculture and heritage.”World Cinema Dramatic Competition: Cactus Pears (India/UK/Canada)
Director & Screenwriter: Rohan Parashuram Kanawade
Producers: Neeraj Churi, Mohamed Khaki, Kaushik Ray, Harish Reddypalli, Siddharth Meer
Jury’s Comment: “A beautifully told modern love story—one that made us laugh, cry, and long for a love that lingers in the heart.”World Cinema Documentary Competition: Cutting Through Rocks (Iran/Germany/USA/Netherlands/Qatar/Chile/Canada)
Directors & Producers: Sara Khaki, Mohammadreza Aini
Jury’s Comment: “A bold and deeply moving story of a woman confronting a patriarchal society, told with courage and sensitivity.”Next Innovator Award: Zodiac Killer Project (USA/UK)
Director & Producer: Charlie Shackleton
Jury’s Comment: “A groundbreaking work that redefines cinematic storytelling with originality and vision.”
Audience Award Winners
U.S. Dramatic Competition: Twinless (USA)
Jury’s Comment: “A remarkable psychological portrait of two characters that delivers a unique emotional experience.”U.S. Documentary Competition: Andre Is an Idiot (USA)
World Cinema Dramatic Competition: DJ Ahmet (North Macedonia/Czech Republic/Serbia/Croatia)
World Cinema Documentary Competition: Prime Minister (USA)
Next Audience Award: East of Wall (Canada)
Special Jury Awards
Creative Vision: DJ Ahmet (North Macedonia/Czech Republic/Serbia/Croatia)
Jury’s Comment: “An insightful look into a unique cultural reality with resilient, vibrant characters—a valuable contribution to world cinema.”Screenwriting: Two Women (Canada)
Freedom of Expression: Coexistence, My Ash! (USA/France)
Jury’s Comment: “A film that boldly engages with challenging subjects, confronting audiences with raw and honest truths.”Archival Storytelling: Selena y Los Dinos (USA)
Jury’s Comment: “An unforgettable journey through history and culture.”
The Jury Panels
U.S. Dramatic Competition: Reinaldo Marcus Green, Arian Moayed, Celine Song
U.S. Documentary Competition: Steven Bognar, Vinnie Malhotra, Marcia Smith
World Cinema Dramatic Competition: Ava Cahen, Wanuri Kahiu, Daniel Kaluuya
World Cinema Documentary Competition: Daniela Alatorre, Laura Kim, Kevin Macdonald
Short Film Competition: Kaniehtiio Horn, Maggie Mackay, Kibwe Tavares
Next Competition: Elijah Wood
Organizers’ Reflections
Amanda Kelso, Acting CEO of the Sundance Institute, said:
“We congratulate all the winning filmmakers and thank them for their extraordinary stories. We believe these films foster empathy, understanding, and contribute to building a more inclusive society.”
Festival Director Eugene Hernandez added:
“This year’s awards ceremony was particularly meaningful. We are proud to celebrate such innovative work from these talented filmmakers.”
This year’s Sundance screened 94 feature-length films and episodic projects alongside 57 short films, selected from 15,775 submissions. Organizers confirmed that winning titles will remain available both online and in-person through February 2.
