The Sundance Institute hosted an awards ceremony for the films with the largest impacts on audiences during the 2025 Sundance Film Festival at The Ray Theatre on Friday, Jan. 31.
Nearly 16,000 films and episodic works competed for a spot at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, but only 151 scored a premiere. For many, simply securing a spot at the festival is considered an honor. After more than a week of screenings, a selected jury and some festivalgoers voted for the winning films at this year’s awards ceremony, recognizing each film’s artistic and cinematic achievements.
“Everybody who has made it into this festival is a winner,” Kim Yutani, director of programming at the Sundance Institute, said.
Awards went to directors, screenwriters, editors and actors for dramatic, documentary and the most innovative films.
Alireza Khatami, director, screenwriter and producer of “The Things You Kill,” won the jury’s Directing Award for World Cinema Dramatic films.
“It’s been eight years of hard work, and I’ve been absolutely humbled to premiere here,” Khatami said.
Mstyslav Chernov, director of “2000 Meters to Andriivka,” won the jury’s Directing Award for World Cinema Documentary.
“I want this award to be in honor of all the film directors who are currently working in Ukraine, who are risking their lives, because it is very dangerous to work right now in Ukraine,” Chernov said.
David Borenstein, director and screenwriter of “Mr. Nobody Against Putin,” won the World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award.
“It’s my first Sundance, but it’s really great, the conversations that it sparks, the feedback with audience, the opportunities to connect with other filmmakers,” Borenstein said.
Geeta Gandbhir, director and producer of “The Perfect Neighbor,” won the jury’s Directing Award for U.S. Documentary.
“Sundance remains a really safe space for creatives all over the world,” Gandbhir said.
Rohan Parashuram Kanawade, director of “Sabar Bonda (Cactus Pears),” won the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize for Dramatic films.
“(Sundance is) like a platform you always wanted to go, and finally actually coming here and showing your film, watching it with all the global audience — that feeling was just amazing," Kanawade said.
James Sweeney, director, writer, cast member and producer of “Twinless,” won the Audience Award for U.S. Dramatic films.
“I could feel the audience leaning in because they were just invested,” Sweeney said. “I’ve seen the film so many times, but I got to watch them go through the journey.”
Rashad Frett, director and co-writer of “Ricky,” won the jury’s Directing Award for U.S. Dramatic films.
“Every screening, somebody either came up to me who went through the criminal justice system and resonated with the story or knew someone, a friend or family member, that went through it,” Frett said. “A lot of talks, a lot of tears.”
Kate Beecroft, director, writer and producer of “East of Wall,” won the Audience Award: NEXT, honoring the film for its innovative storytelling.
“All a director wants is for the audience to connect with their story,” Beecroft said. “That’s the best thing a director can ask for.”
The overall Festival Favorite Award went to “Come See Me in the Good Light,” voted on by Sundance audiences.
The Sundance Film Festival will return to Park City from Jan. 22 through Feb. 1, 2026.