Justice Smith, renowned for his roles in Hollywood blockbusters like “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” and “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom,” finally made his debut at the Sundance Film Festival. At the Variety & Golden Globes Breakthrough Artists Party, presented by Adobe, the 28-year-old actor received a breakthrough artist award, describing it as a “warm welcome” to the Park City event. Smith, known for “Pokémon: Detective Pikachu,” has two films premiering at Sundance: A24’s “I Saw the TV Glow” and Focus Features’ “The American Society of Magical Negroes.”
Expressing gratitude, Smith humorously mentioned checking if this award would appear on his IMDb, contrasting it with his Razzie nomination. Reflecting on a past career crisis, he emphasized the importance of personal discovery and joy in his work, finding affirmation in the recognition received at Sundance.
Joining Smith as breakthrough artist awardees were Dylan O’Brien, Normani, and Maddie Ziegler. O’Brien, known for MTV’s “Teen Wolf” series, returns to Sundance after 12 years with “Ponyboi,” a film centered on an intersex sex worker. Normani, the former “Fifth Harmony” member, transitioned to acting in the Sundance premiere “Freaky Tales” opposite Pedro Pascal, calling it a dream come true.
Dance star Maddie Ziegler, renowned for collaborations with Sia, received acclaim for her role in “My Old Ass” and expressed gratitude to director Megan Park for taking her seriously as an actor.
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Director Jane Schoenbrun, honored as breakthrough director for “I Saw the TV Glow,” highlighted the film’s success at the festival. Schoenbrun, reflecting on her journey, spoke about negotiating the intersection of art and commerce as a trans person in the industry.
The 2024 Sundance Film Festival, running until Sunday, Jan. 28, continues to showcase remarkable talent and breakthrough works, setting the stage for a vibrant year in cinema.
