Ed Harris Honoured at Sundance Film Festival and Returns to the Big Screen

Sundance Festival Honours Ed Harris with Inaugural Award

Acclaimed actor Ed Harris is making headlines in early 2026 as he receives significant recognition for his decades-long contribution to independent cinema. The inaugural award will be given to longtime Sundance luminaries Ed Harris and Gyula Gazdag at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. The evening will honor Sundance Institute’s Founder, Robert Redford — his legacy, vision, and enduring mission to support independent storytellers, with the newly established Robert Redford Luminary Award presented to Harris for his extensive mentorship work.

Ed Harris, a four-time Academy Award nominee and two-time Golden Globe winner, has served as a creative advisor since 2002. He has been asked to take part in the lab as an advisor for the past 19 years, describing those weeks as at the top of the list of the most rewarding, fulfilling, invaluable experiences of his life. This recognition highlights Harris’s commitment to nurturing emerging filmmakers and supporting the independent film community that has shaped modern American cinema.

New Thriller Film Set for February Release

Beyond his Sundance honour, Harris is returning to cinema screens with a new project. The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that the release date of How to Make a Killing will be released on February 20, 2026. Margaret Qualley, Jessica Henwick, Zach Woods, Topher Grace, Bill Camp and Ed Harris round out the cast of this dark comedy thriller from A24.

How to Make a Killing is inspired by director Robert Hamer’s 1949 British crime movie Kind Hearts and Coronets. The film stars Glen Powell as a man who will stop at nothing to reclaim his inheritance from his wealthy family, promising audiences a darkly comedic take on ambition and family drama.

Why This Matters for Film Enthusiasts

Ed Harris’s dual presence in 2026—both as an honoured mentor and active performer—demonstrates the enduring relevance of veteran actors in contemporary cinema. His recognition at Sundance underscores the importance of mentorship in fostering new talent, whilst his continued work in compelling projects like How to Make a Killing shows that established actors remain vital to innovative storytelling. For audiences and aspiring filmmakers alike, Harris exemplifies how dedication to craft and community can define a lasting legacy in the film industry.