Amid the rising fear of Covid new variant Omicron, Sundance Film Festival has updated the covid-19 restrictions for its 2022 event.&nbsp; 
 
However, now the event, which will see all in-person attendees&nbsp;will require vaccination as well as boosters,&nbsp;if eligible, for all guests of the festival. 
The upcoming festival will be a hybrid event that has “flexibility for attendees to participate in-person and/or online.” 
 
“The health safety of our community is paramount,” Sundance organizers said in a press release. The film festival will run from Jan. 20 through 30.&nbsp; 
The previous requirement stated that attendees would have to be fully vaccinated with either a two-dose series of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine or a single dose of the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/spider-man-no-way-home-is-the-highest-grossing-hollywood-movie-of-the-year-439509" hreflang="en">'Spider-Man: No Way Home' is the highest-grossing Hollywood movie of the year</a> 
 
As per the rules, all the attendees will have to show their vaccine status on-site at Vaccine Verification and Testing Hub. Once shown, the participant will be provided with a wristband that will need to be worn at all times at the festival. 
 
The festival will be providing free testing for both workers and attendees for the event. “We ask everyone to be vigilant about hand sanitizing, test often, and when outside of Festival-operated spaces to social distance when unmasked,” the site reads, “We will continue to monitor the general levels of community transmission and local COVID-19 vaccination coverage in our in-person communities, working to maximize their health safety and adjust any plans as needed for the safety of our community. Any further policy updates will be shared in early January.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/sex-and-the-city-actor-chris-noth-accused-of-groping-by-fourth-woman-439452" hreflang="en">'Sex and the City' actor Chris Noth accused of groping by fourth woman</a>

Other new protocols include limited capacity in movie screenings. Masks will be required in all screenings, and eating and drinking will no longer be allowed inside the cinema halls.&nbsp;

Amid the rising fear of Covid new variant Omicron, Sundance Film Festival has updated the covid-19 restrictions for its 2022 event. However, now the event, which will see all in-person attendees will require vaccination as well as boosters, if eligible, for all guests of the festival.

Amid the rising fear of Covid new variant Omicron, Sundance Film Festival has updated the covid-19 restrictions for its 2022 event. However, now the event, which will see all in-person attendees will require vaccination as well as boosters, if eligible, for all guests of the festival. The upcoming festival will be a hybrid event that has “flexibility for attendees to participate in-person and/or online.” “The health safety of our community is paramount,” Sundance organizers said in a press release. The film festival will run from Jan. 20 through 30. The previous requirement stated that attendees would have to be fully vaccinated with either a two-dose series of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine or a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' is the highest-grossing Hollywood movie of the year As per the rules, all the attendees will have to show their vaccine status on-site at Vaccine Verification and Testing Hub. Once shown, the participant will be provided with a wristband that will need to be worn at all times at the festival. The festival will be providing free testing for both workers and attendees for the event. “We ask everyone to be vigilant about hand sanitizing, test often, and when outside of Festival-operated spaces to social distance when unmasked,” the site reads, “We will continue to monitor the general levels of community transmission and local COVID-19 vaccination coverage in our in-person communities, working to maximize their health safety and adjust any plans as needed for the safety of our community. Any further policy updates will be shared in early January.” 'Sex and the City' actor Chris Noth accused of groping by fourth woman Other new protocols include limited capacity in movie screenings. Masks will be required in all screenings, and eating and drinking will no longer be allowed inside the cinema halls.

Sundance Film Festival expands covid-19 protocols amid Omicron scare

The Sundance Film Festival will be returning to the Utah mountains in January armed with documentaries about Bill Cosby, Princess Diana, Kanye West and Lucille Ball and the directorial debuts of Eva Longoria, Tig Notaro and Jesse Eisenberg. 
 
According to Fox News, festival organizers unveiled the lineup for the 2022 edition on Thursday, which includes 82 feature-length films culled from over 3,700 submissions."This year`s program reflects the unsettling and uncertain times we`ve been living in for the past year and a half," said Kim Yutani, Sundance`s director of programming.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-dev-patel-to-be-joined-by-seth-rogen-elle-fanning-in-chippendales-436040" hreflang="en">Dev Patel to be joined by Seth Rogen, Elle Fanning in 'Chippendales'</a> 
 
As in years past, the festival has had a robust documentary lineup, including `We Need to Talk About Cosby`, in which director W. Kamau Bell has attempted to examine the art and artist question as it applies to the actor/comedian, who spent time in prison before his sexual assault conviction was overturned. 
 
Festival director Tabitha Jackson said the Cosby documentary is, "A real cultural analysis of what happened."`Lucy and Desi`, which marks Amy Poehler`s documentary debut, and `The Princess` from director Ed Perkins are also in the lineup. Directors Clarence `Coodie` Simmons and Chike Ozah also have `jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy`, chronicling 21 years of Kanye West with never-before-seen footage, and Kathryn Ferguson charts the career of Sinead O`Connor in `Nothing Compares`. 
 
The documentaries also go beyond the big names and biopics. Director Ramin Bahrani will debut his film `2nd Chance`, about the bankrupt pizzeria owner who invented the modern bulletproof vest, and Rory Kennedy has `Downfall: The Case Against Boeing`, which looks at the two Boeing 737 MAX crashes and the aftermath.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/its-a-wrap-for-jason-momoa-starrer-aquaman-and-the-lost-kingdom-435984" hreflang="en">It's a wrap for Jason Momoa starrer 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom'</a>

After going largely virtual in 2021, organizers are planning to return to an in-person festival in Park City, Utah, with some satellite screenings at regional theatres across the U.S. during the second weekend and virtual options as well. 
 
Earlier this year, the festival announced that all attendees, from filmmakers to ticket buyers and volunteers, would be required to have received the COVID-19 vaccine. 
 
As per Fox News, in that spirit, the festival will kick off on January 20 with the "immersive live-cinema" documentary `32 Sounds`, which will debut online and in Park City`s Egyptian Theater. Other day one premieres include Longoria`s `La Guerra Civil` and `The Princess`.&nbsp;

The Sundance Film Festival will be returning to the Utah mountains in January armed with documentaries about Bill Cosby, Princess Diana, Kanye West and Lucille Ball and the directorial debuts of Eva Longoria, Tig Notaro and Jesse Eisenberg.

The Sundance Film Festival will be returning to the Utah mountains in January armed with documentaries about Bill Cosby, Princess Diana, Kanye West and Lucille Ball and the directorial debuts of Eva Longoria, Tig Notaro and Jesse Eisenberg. According to Fox News, festival organizers unveiled the lineup for the 2022 edition on Thursday, which includes 82 feature-length films culled from over 3,700 submissions."This year`s program reflects the unsettling and uncertain times we`ve been living in for the past year and a half," said Kim Yutani, Sundance`s director of programming. Dev Patel to be joined by Seth Rogen, Elle Fanning in 'Chippendales' As in years past, the festival has had a robust documentary lineup, including `We Need to Talk About Cosby`, in which director W. Kamau Bell has attempted to examine the art and artist question as it applies to the actor/comedian, who spent time in prison before his sexual assault conviction was overturned. Festival director Tabitha Jackson said the Cosby documentary is, "A real cultural analysis of what happened."`Lucy and Desi`, which marks Amy Poehler`s documentary debut, and `The Princess` from director Ed Perkins are also in the lineup. Directors Clarence `Coodie` Simmons and Chike Ozah also have `jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy`, chronicling 21 years of Kanye West with never-before-seen footage, and Kathryn Ferguson charts the career of Sinead O`Connor in `Nothing Compares`. The documentaries also go beyond the big names and biopics. Director Ramin Bahrani will debut his film `2nd Chance`, about the bankrupt pizzeria owner who invented the modern bulletproof vest, and Rory Kennedy has `Downfall: The Case Against Boeing`, which looks at the two Boeing 737 MAX crashes and the aftermath. It's a wrap for Jason Momoa starrer 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom' After going largely virtual in 2021, organizers are planning to return to an in-person festival in Park City, Utah, with some satellite screenings at regional theatres across the U.S. during the second weekend and virtual options as well. Earlier this year, the festival announced that all attendees, from filmmakers to ticket buyers and volunteers, would be required to have received the COVID-19 vaccine. As per Fox News, in that spirit, the festival will kick off on January 20 with the "immersive live-cinema" documentary `32 Sounds`, which will debut online and in Park City`s Egyptian Theater. Other day one premieres include Longoria`s `La Guerra Civil` and `The Princess`.

Sundance Film Festival to include documentaries on Bill Cosby, Princess Diana, Kanye West

This year’s Sundance Film Festival despite being run virtually has amassed a good number of eyeballs. The 2021 Sundance in fact recorded its largest audience ever this year according to stats released by the Sundance Institute.&nbsp;

Sundance this year featured 73 films which was a gradual drip from the typical 120, 50 short films, 4 Indie Series, 23 talks and events and 14 projects in the New Frontier exhibition.&nbsp;

The 2021 festival took place from January 28-February 3 and was hosted online and in-person in 20 cities across the United States.&nbsp;

This year’s audience was 2.7 times larger than the usual 11-day festival hosted in Utah, according to the Sundance Institute. Viewers came in from all 50 states and 120 countries.

On the great numbers, Sundance Institute CEO Keri Putnam said, “It’s been rewarding to see the way adventurous audiences everywhere engaged with our program and platform, and of course we are delighted to have met and even exceeded our goal of expanding the reach and community for independent film in this challenging year. I am so inspired by the incredible Sundance team who rose to the challenge of presenting the Festival in a new way, and grateful to our Board whose partnership and support was invaluable and — as always — to Robert Redford for being our guiding light.”

This year’s Sundance Film Festival despite being run virtually has amassed a good number of eyeballs. The 2021 Sundance in fact recorded its largest audience ever this year according to stats released by the Sundance Institute.

This year’s Sundance Film Festival despite being run virtually has amassed a good number of eyeballs. The 2021 Sundance in fact recorded its largest audience ever this year according to stats released by the Sundance Institute. Sundance this year featured 73 films which was a gradual drip from the typical 120, 50 short films, 4 Indie Series, 23 talks and events and 14 projects in the New Frontier exhibition. The 2021 festival took place from January 28-February 3 and was hosted online and in-person in 20 cities across the United States. This year’s audience was 2.7 times larger than the usual 11-day festival hosted in Utah, according to the Sundance Institute. Viewers came in from all 50 states and 120 countries. On the great numbers, Sundance Institute CEO Keri Putnam said, “It’s been rewarding to see the way adventurous audiences everywhere engaged with our program and platform, and of course we are delighted to have met and even exceeded our goal of expanding the reach and community for independent film in this challenging year. I am so inspired by the incredible Sundance team who rose to the challenge of presenting the Festival in a new way, and grateful to our Board whose partnership and support was invaluable and — as always — to Robert Redford for being our guiding light.”

Sundance Film Festival records its largest audience ever despite being virtual

Netflix has acquired the rights for Sundance title ‘Passing’.&nbsp;

It is directed by Rebecca Hall and stars Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga.&nbsp;

Based on the novel by Nella Larsen, ‘Passing’ movie follows two African-American women who can pass as white and choose to live on opposite sides of the color line in 1929 New York.

The film also stars André Holland, Bill Camp and Alexander Skarsgard.

It’s produced by Nina Yang Bongiovi, Forest Whitaker, Margot Hand and Hall.

Netflix has acquired the rights for Sundance title ‘Passing’. It is directed by Rebecca Hall and stars Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga. Based on the novel by Nella Larsen, ‘Passing’ movie follows two African-American women who can pass as white and choose to live on opposite sides of the color line in 1929 New York.

Netflix has acquired the rights for Sundance title ‘Passing’. It is directed by Rebecca Hall and stars Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga. Based on the novel by Nella Larsen, ‘Passing’ movie follows two African-American women who can pass as white and choose to live on opposite sides of the color line in 1929 New York. The film also stars André Holland, Bill Camp and Alexander Skarsgard. It’s produced by Nina Yang Bongiovi, Forest Whitaker, Margot Hand and Hall.

Netflix acquires worldwide rights to Sundance title 'Passing'

US actress Robin Wright always wanted to direct, but it wasn't until Netflix's 'House of Cards' crew helped her helm 10 episodes that she gained the experience to make her first movie.

"What a gift that was, because otherwise I would not have had the confidence to move on and do a feature film, that's for sure," said Wright at the Sundance Film Festival premiere of her debut 'Land'&nbsp;on Sunday.

It is a lesson in teamwork painfully ignored by the film's lead character Edee -- played by Wright -- who after suffering immense personal tragedy decides to live alone in the beautiful but unforgiving Wyoming wilderness.

Arriving at a leaky, dilapidated cabin miles from civilization without phone or car, Edee's attempts to teach herself to hunt and survive take a humbling and perilous turn, before the arrival of a local hunter.

"Why make this movie?... It's a reminder that we do need each other," said Wright at a Q&amp;A taking place remotely -- like the entire festival -- due to the pandemic.

"We do face adversity, and it's generally the compassion and kindness of another person that gets us through that difficult time... I think we all can resonate with that right now."

Even with her skills honed on Netflix's political drama, Wright faced unprecedented challenges shooting "Land" across 29 days in remote Alberta, Canada, where her team constructed a log cabin at 8,000 feet (2,400 meters).

"We had one day of summer, and then all of a sudden it just turned into winter," she said "And so we had to shoot 10 to 15 (scenes)... in one day. But it was doable."

A scene featuring a bear confronting Edee couldn't be shot on the mountain in case the trained animal encountered real wild bears, which were so common on set that one regularly helped itself to hamburgers from the craft services table.

Making matters more challenging still was the juggling act of directing for the first time while also starring.

"You're in front of the camera, and you're in six feet of snow, and you can't walk... to watch playback because you're going to put footsteps in the snow -- and it's freshly fallen snow that we need to shoot!" said Wright.

Still, an early review from Deadline said Wright "succeeds impressively on both counts," with her film described by Variety as "a beautiful haiku."

The movie hits limited theaters February 12. With the Oscars postponed to its latest-ever date in April due to the pandemic, it could be a late entry to Hollywood's award season race.

Top indie film festival Sundance itself is taking place largely online this year, with all 72 feature films making their premieres via streaming.

The festival -- co-founded by Robert Redford and typically based in the Utah mountains -- ends Wednesday

US actress Robin Wright always wanted to direct, but it wasn't until Netflix's 'House of Cards' crew helped her helm 10 episodes that she gained the experience to make her first movie.

US actress Robin Wright always wanted to direct, but it wasn't until Netflix's 'House of Cards' crew helped her helm 10 episodes that she gained the experience to make her first movie. "What a gift that was, because otherwise I would not have had the confidence to move on and do a feature film, that's for sure," said Wright at the Sundance Film Festival premiere of her debut 'Land' on Sunday. It is a lesson in teamwork painfully ignored by the film's lead character Edee -- played by Wright -- who after suffering immense personal tragedy decides to live alone in the beautiful but unforgiving Wyoming wilderness. Arriving at a leaky, dilapidated cabin miles from civilization without phone or car, Edee's attempts to teach herself to hunt and survive take a humbling and perilous turn, before the arrival of a local hunter. "Why make this movie?... It's a reminder that we do need each other," said Wright at a Q&A taking place remotely -- like the entire festival -- due to the pandemic. "We do face adversity, and it's generally the compassion and kindness of another person that gets us through that difficult time... I think we all can resonate with that right now." Even with her skills honed on Netflix's political drama, Wright faced unprecedented challenges shooting "Land" across 29 days in remote Alberta, Canada, where her team constructed a log cabin at 8,000 feet (2,400 meters). "We had one day of summer, and then all of a sudden it just turned into winter," she said "And so we had to shoot 10 to 15 (scenes)... in one day. But it was doable." A scene featuring a bear confronting Edee couldn't be shot on the mountain in case the trained animal encountered real wild bears, which were so common on set that one regularly helped itself to hamburgers from the craft services table. Making matters more challenging still was the juggling act of directing for the first time while also starring. "You're in front of the camera, and you're in six feet of snow, and you can't walk... to watch playback because you're going to put footsteps in the snow -- and it's freshly fallen snow that we need to shoot!" said Wright. Still, an early review from Deadline said Wright "succeeds impressively on both counts," with her film described by Variety as "a beautiful haiku." The movie hits limited theaters February 12. With the Oscars postponed to its latest-ever date in April due to the pandemic, it could be a late entry to Hollywood's award season race. Top indie film festival Sundance itself is taking place largely online this year, with all 72 feature films making their premieres via streaming. The festival -- co-founded by Robert Redford and typically based in the Utah mountains -- ends Wednesday

'House of Cards' star Wright battles wilderness in Sundance debut 'Land'

Patton Oswalt is all set to host the award ceremony of the 2021 Sundance Film Festival. 
 
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the ceremony, which will be held digitally on February 2, will feature special appearances from Alison Brie, Shira Haas, and Diego Luna.The Sundance Institute, which organises the festival annually, also announced several other festival conversations. 
 
This includes "Conjuring the Collective, the Womxn at Sundance Speakeasy," which will feature Judith Jamison, Marlee Matlin, director Sian Heder, actor Rita Moreno and actor SOKO. It will also feature an appearance by recording artist Brittany Howard, as well as poet Ryka Ayoti.

Indie film extravaganza Sundance, beginning Thursday, will take place largely online.

And with the Oscars delayed to their latest-ever date -- April 25 -- several top contenders have not been released or even screened for critics yet, meaning Sundance could play an outsized role in the awards conversation. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/sundance-film-festival-enters-uncharted-waters-in-unique-oscar-season-358915">Sundance Film Festival enters uncharted waters in unique Oscar season</a>

"It certainly became apparent that 'oh, this is new, we're going to be in the awards window,'" Sundance festival head Tabitha Jackson told AFP.

Warner Bros has set a Sundance world premiere for its much-hyped "Judas and the Black Messiah," with Daniel Kaluuya's turn as the young, tragic Black Panther leader Fred Hampton hotly tipped for recognition.

Others that could contend are wilderness drama "Land" -- the directorial debut from "House of Cards" star Robin Wright -- and period romance "The World To Come," produced by and co-starring Casey Affleck.

"In one sense it's a short runway (to the Oscars), but in the other there's still uncertainty about what 2021 is going to look like" for movie releases, said Jackson last month.

"So I'll be interested to see how people choose to use that window." 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Patton Oswalt is all set to host the award ceremony of the 2021 Sundance Film Festival. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the ceremony, which will be held digitally on February 2, will feature special appearances from Alison Brie, Shira Haas, and Diego Luna.

Patton Oswalt is all set to host the award ceremony of the 2021 Sundance Film Festival. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the ceremony, which will be held digitally on February 2, will feature special appearances from Alison Brie, Shira Haas, and Diego Luna.The Sundance Institute, which organises the festival annually, also announced several other festival conversations. This includes "Conjuring the Collective, the Womxn at Sundance Speakeasy," which will feature Judith Jamison, Marlee Matlin, director Sian Heder, actor Rita Moreno and actor SOKO. It will also feature an appearance by recording artist Brittany Howard, as well as poet Ryka Ayoti. Indie film extravaganza Sundance, beginning Thursday, will take place largely online. And with the Oscars delayed to their latest-ever date -- April 25 -- several top contenders have not been released or even screened for critics yet, meaning Sundance could play an outsized role in the awards conversation. Sundance Film Festival enters uncharted waters in unique Oscar season "It certainly became apparent that 'oh, this is new, we're going to be in the awards window,'" Sundance festival head Tabitha Jackson told AFP. Warner Bros has set a Sundance world premiere for its much-hyped "Judas and the Black Messiah," with Daniel Kaluuya's turn as the young, tragic Black Panther leader Fred Hampton hotly tipped for recognition. Others that could contend are wilderness drama "Land" -- the directorial debut from "House of Cards" star Robin Wright -- and period romance "The World To Come," produced by and co-starring Casey Affleck. "In one sense it's a short runway (to the Oscars), but in the other there's still uncertainty about what 2021 is going to look like" for movie releases, said Jackson last month. "So I'll be interested to see how people choose to use that window." (With inputs from agencies)

Patton Oswalt to host Sundance Film Festival 2021

In normal years, the Sundance Film Festival kicks off in late January with Hollywood's award season already in full swing.

Producers, stars and journalists meet in the spectacular Utah mountains to swap last-minute Oscar tips, and catch a first glimpse of the next year's batch of contenders.

This year, due to the pandemic, everything has been turned upside-down.

Indie film extravaganza Sundance, beginning Thursday, will take place largely online.

And with the Oscars delayed to their latest-ever date -- April 25 -- several top contenders have not been released or even screened for critics yet, meaning Sundance could play an outsized role in the awards conversation.

"It certainly became apparent that 'oh, this is new, we're going to be in the awards window,'" Sundance festival head Tabitha Jackson told AFP.

Warner Bros has set a Sundance world premiere for its much-hyped "Judas and the Black Messiah," with Daniel Kaluuya's turn as the young, tragic Black Panther leader Fred Hampton hotly tipped for recognition.

Others that could contend are wilderness drama "Land" -- the directorial debut from "House of Cards" star Robin Wright -- and period romance "The World To Come," produced by and co-starring Casey Affleck.

"In one sense it's a short runway (to the Oscars), but in the other there's still uncertainty about what 2021 is going to look like" for movie releases, said Jackson last month.

"So I'll be interested to see how people choose to use that window."

- 'Feeling the heat' -

Even beyond Sundance, indie films appear poised for a landmark year at various delayed awards including the Golden Globes -- which would ordinarily have taken place by now, but are yet to even announce nominations.

With the majority of US theaters closed by coronavirus, studios have repeatedly pushed back the releases of their biggest, most expensive movies.

Presumed big-budget Oscars frontrunners including "Dune" have missed the award window, while this week's latest pandemic domino effect saw James Bond film "No Time To Die" and Sony comic book spinoff "Morbius" push back their releases.

In fact, with several major 2020 film festivals scrapped or curtailed, bizarrely this year's Sundance hits may end up contending with front-runners that debuted at the very same festival least year.

These include Anthony Hopkins' harrowing dementia drama "The Father" and #MeToo revenge thriller "Promising Young Woman" starring Carey Mulligan.

Also in the mix from the previous Sundance are "Minari," a Korean-American family portrait hoping to emulate last year's best picture "Parasite," and documentaries "Boys State" and "Time."

"So many of the films that are now feeling the heat of the cultural conversation began their life at Sundance last year," said Jackson.

- 'Snow boots for slippers' -

For now, Sundance organizers are urging Hollywood to stay home and watch virtual premieres and Q&amp;As on their laptops.

Industry networking events will see filmmakers' and artists' "avatars" roam and mingle with audiences in chat rooms and virtual-reality cinemas.

Some drive-in and arthouse theaters will host real-world screenings and talks, in specific parts of the US where local conditions allow.&nbsp;

But plans to host Sundance events at venues in Park City and near Los Angeles had to be scrapped after Utah and southern California suffered some of the nation's most severe winter Covid spikes.

Instead, attendees can "trade in your snow boots for slippers and just experience the festival and see more films than you would ever normally get to do on the mountain," said Jackson.

Other highlights among 72 feature films at the festival co-founded by Robert Redford include Nicolas Cage's supernatural action-horror "Prisoners of the Ghostland," and cult musical biopic "The Sparks Brothers" from Edgar Wright.

Ridley Scott and Kevin Macdonald will unveil "Life in a Day 2020," a follow-up to their 2011 documentary using thousands of videos shot and submitted by members of the public from a single day in July to paint a "global portrait of life on our planet."

Sundance runs from Thursday through to February 3.

In normal years, the Sundance Film Festival kicks off in late January with Hollywood's award season already in full swing. Producers, stars and journalists meet in the spectacular Utah mountains to swap last-minute Oscar tips, and catch a first glimpse of the next year's batch of contenders.

In normal years, the Sundance Film Festival kicks off in late January with Hollywood's award season already in full swing. Producers, stars and journalists meet in the spectacular Utah mountains to swap last-minute Oscar tips, and catch a first glimpse of the next year's batch of contenders. This year, due to the pandemic, everything has been turned upside-down. Indie film extravaganza Sundance, beginning Thursday, will take place largely online. And with the Oscars delayed to their latest-ever date -- April 25 -- several top contenders have not been released or even screened for critics yet, meaning Sundance could play an outsized role in the awards conversation. "It certainly became apparent that 'oh, this is new, we're going to be in the awards window,'" Sundance festival head Tabitha Jackson told AFP. Warner Bros has set a Sundance world premiere for its much-hyped "Judas and the Black Messiah," with Daniel Kaluuya's turn as the young, tragic Black Panther leader Fred Hampton hotly tipped for recognition. Others that could contend are wilderness drama "Land" -- the directorial debut from "House of Cards" star Robin Wright -- and period romance "The World To Come," produced by and co-starring Casey Affleck. "In one sense it's a short runway (to the Oscars), but in the other there's still uncertainty about what 2021 is going to look like" for movie releases, said Jackson last month. "So I'll be interested to see how people choose to use that window." - 'Feeling the heat' - Even beyond Sundance, indie films appear poised for a landmark year at various delayed awards including the Golden Globes -- which would ordinarily have taken place by now, but are yet to even announce nominations. With the majority of US theaters closed by coronavirus, studios have repeatedly pushed back the releases of their biggest, most expensive movies. Presumed big-budget Oscars frontrunners including "Dune" have missed the award window, while this week's latest pandemic domino effect saw James Bond film "No Time To Die" and Sony comic book spinoff "Morbius" push back their releases. In fact, with several major 2020 film festivals scrapped or curtailed, bizarrely this year's Sundance hits may end up contending with front-runners that debuted at the very same festival least year. These include Anthony Hopkins' harrowing dementia drama "The Father" and #MeToo revenge thriller "Promising Young Woman" starring Carey Mulligan. Also in the mix from the previous Sundance are "Minari," a Korean-American family portrait hoping to emulate last year's best picture "Parasite," and documentaries "Boys State" and "Time." "So many of the films that are now feeling the heat of the cultural conversation began their life at Sundance last year," said Jackson. - 'Snow boots for slippers' - For now, Sundance organizers are urging Hollywood to stay home and watch virtual premieres and Q&As on their laptops. Industry networking events will see filmmakers' and artists' "avatars" roam and mingle with audiences in chat rooms and virtual-reality cinemas. Some drive-in and arthouse theaters will host real-world screenings and talks, in specific parts of the US where local conditions allow. But plans to host Sundance events at venues in Park City and near Los Angeles had to be scrapped after Utah and southern California suffered some of the nation's most severe winter Covid spikes. Instead, attendees can "trade in your snow boots for slippers and just experience the festival and see more films than you would ever normally get to do on the mountain," said Jackson. Other highlights among 72 feature films at the festival co-founded by Robert Redford include Nicolas Cage's supernatural action-horror "Prisoners of the Ghostland," and cult musical biopic "The Sparks Brothers" from Edgar Wright. Ridley Scott and Kevin Macdonald will unveil "Life in a Day 2020," a follow-up to their 2011 documentary using thousands of videos shot and submitted by members of the public from a single day in July to paint a "global portrait of life on our planet." Sundance runs from Thursday through to February 3.

Sundance Film Festival enters uncharted waters in unique Oscar season

Sundance Film Festival 2021 has announced an update on its lineup and some of the most noteworthy mentions include Warner Bros’ ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ where Daniel Kaluuya plays Black Panther leader Fred Hampton and Egyptian director Ali El Arabi's documentary ‘Captains of Zaatari’.&nbsp;

Sundance's latest lineup additions at a time when Hollywood's Oscar season kicks into gear will bow on the festival's bespoke digital platform. King's Fred Hampton drama will also play on 17 physical theater screens across the US, if things get better on the coronavirus front.&nbsp;

In a statement, Sundance Festival director Tabitha Jackson said, “In a year where our festival already exemplifies the vanguard of bold, visionary storytelling from around the world, they help further expand our boundaries."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/sundance-film-festival-cancels-drive-in-screenings-due-to-surge-in-covid-cases-cannes-may-push-back-from-scheduled-date-355268">Sundance Film Festival cancels drive-in screenings due to surge in Covid cases, Cannes may push back from scheduled date</a>

The Sundance Film Festival 2021 is set to unveil an online hub and US industry partnerships to carry out a coronavirus-era indie film showcase to run from January 28 to February 3.

Sundance has 73 features in its lineup this year as they were announced earlier during <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/sundance-festival-unveils-screenings-across-us-and-online-due-to-virus-347260">US drama competition titles</a> like Sian Heder's ‘Coda’, starring Oscar winner Marlee Matlin; Christopher Makoto Yogi's ghost tale ‘I Was a Simple Man’, starring Constance Wu; Clint Bentley's ‘Jockey’, toplined by Clifton Collins Jr., Molly Parker and Moisés Arias; and ‘John and the Hole’, Pascual Sisto's directorial debut that stars Charlie Shotwell.

Sundance Film Festival 2021 has announced an update on its lineup and some of the most noteworthy mentions include Warner Bros’ ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ where Daniel Kaluuya plays Black Panther leader Fred Hampton and Egyptian director Ali El Arabi's documentary ‘Captains of Zaatari’.

Sundance Film Festival 2021 has announced an update on its lineup and some of the most noteworthy mentions include Warner Bros’ ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ where Daniel Kaluuya plays Black Panther leader Fred Hampton and Egyptian director Ali El Arabi's documentary ‘Captains of Zaatari’. Sundance's latest lineup additions at a time when Hollywood's Oscar season kicks into gear will bow on the festival's bespoke digital platform. King's Fred Hampton drama will also play on 17 physical theater screens across the US, if things get better on the coronavirus front. In a statement, Sundance Festival director Tabitha Jackson said, “In a year where our festival already exemplifies the vanguard of bold, visionary storytelling from around the world, they help further expand our boundaries." Sundance Film Festival cancels drive-in screenings due to surge in Covid cases, Cannes may push back from scheduled date The Sundance Film Festival 2021 is set to unveil an online hub and US industry partnerships to carry out a coronavirus-era indie film showcase to run from January 28 to February 3. Sundance has 73 features in its lineup this year as they were announced earlier during US drama competition titles like Sian Heder's ‘Coda’, starring Oscar winner Marlee Matlin; Christopher Makoto Yogi's ghost tale ‘I Was a Simple Man’, starring Constance Wu; Clint Bentley's ‘Jockey’, toplined by Clifton Collins Jr., Molly Parker and Moisés Arias; and ‘John and the Hole’, Pascual Sisto's directorial debut that stars Charlie Shotwell.

Sundance Film Festival: 'Judas and the Black Messiah,' 'Captains of Zaatari' join 2021 lineup