Ethan Hawke cherished memories with Robert Redford after the death of the Oscars winner earlier this week.
While attending the first of Decrease At the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Hawke spoke to US Weekly About the impact that Redford has had about his career.
“He chose before sunrise to open the [Sundance Film] Festival, and he presented it, ”recalls Hawke.
The actor explained how the gesture stimulated him as well as director Richard Richard Linklater for a pivotal moment of their careers.
“It was a great moment in [director] Richard Linklater and I of life just so that Robert Redford takes us under his wing and said: “I believe in you” and to open the festival with [our] Film, “he shared.
Hawke added that Redford recognized the value of the film when many criticisms did not do so.
“We obtained bad reviews and things at the time. Redford was one of the first guys to get this film and get what was interesting on this.”
Redford, who died on September 16, 2025, at 89, left a legacy of defense of independent filmmakers by Sundance.
With hindsight, Hawke thought about how Redford’s support helped shape his confidence.
“Everyone wanted the Slacker’s director to make bites of reality 2 – and that’s not what he did. He did something else,” said Hawke.
“Redford was like,” it’s cool “. And we said to ourselves: “Hey, Redford thinks we’re cool.
