The Sundance Film Festival was momentarily eclipsed by political activism as A-list stars and festival attendees took to the streets of Park City, Utah. The “Sundancers Melt ICE” protest was organized to memorialize Renee Good and Alex Pretti, two Minneapolis residents killed by federal agents earlier this month. The event, held at sunset on Main Street, saw hundreds of participants holding lit phones in a silent vigil before chanting “Love Melts ICE” to call for the immediate withdrawal of federal tactical units from American cities.
Natalie Portman wears an “ICE out” pin at Sundance and slams ICE brutality:
“This is such a joyful community celebrating film here and we’re so excited to be showing ‘The Gallerist’ here, but we’re also at a moment in our country’s history that is quite devastating,” Portman… pic.twitter.com/78c0s504rV
— Variety (@Variety) January 24, 2026
Hollywood figures used their red-carpet visibility to slam the current administration’s immigration crackdown. Natalie Portman, promoting her film The Gallerist, was seen wearing “ICE Out” and “Be Good” pins, calling the federal actions “the worst of humanity.” Elijah Wood joined the marchers, emphasizing that the festival should be a place of unity rather than state-sponsored division. Meanwhile, director Olivia Wilde used her premiere to describe the agency as an “unbelievably criminal organization,” urging the creative community to delegitimize federal violence through their art and platforms.’
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The protest added to the somber atmosphere of what is already a historic year for Sundance, being the final edition held in Park City before its 2027 move to Boulder, Colorado. Festival organizers released a statement acknowledging the “unprecedented national tension” but remained focused on maintaining a safe environment for artists. With more protests planned for the festival’s closing weekend, the intersection of independent cinema and civil rights has become the defining theme of the 2026 circuit.
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