[Ryan Coogler, Kerry Washington, Nicole Avant, Ted Sarandos] Last night, guests gathered for a cocktail reception and ceremony at The Lot in West Hollywood for this year's annual Celebrate Sundance Institute benefit which paid special tribute to legendary film critic Roger Ebert. Sundance Institute founder and Hollywood icon Robert Redford presented the Vanguard Leadership Award in Memoriam to Chaz Ebert who accepted on her late husband's behalf for his work and life-long commitment to Sundance. For his significant role as a champion of independent cinema and generous support of aspiring filmmakers, the new Roger Ebert Scholarship for Film Criticism in his memory was announced. The program will grant six to eight young critics the opportunity to attend and cover the 2014 Sundance Film Festival.
Donning a beautiful crisp white Giambattista Valli look, actress Kerry Washington presented the Tiffany & Co. Vanguard Award to filmmaker Ryan Coogler for his critically acclaimed debut film,
Fruitvale Station, which earned him top honors at Sundance 2013. Funds raised from the event benefited the Sundance Institute's year-round programs, labs and grants for aspiring filmmakers and artists.
In addition to Redford, Washington, and Coogler, Kevin Pollak, Moby, Oliver Stone, Jason Reitman, Dermot Mulroney, Octavia Spencer, Julie Delpy, Shiva Rose, Michael B. Jordan, Melonie Diaz, Catherine Hardwicke, Tommy Tune, Amy Redford, Samm Levine, and Paul Scheer were among the many notables in attendance.
Keep clicking through the slideshow for a closer look at the night and
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Jay Smith, Chaz Ebert, Sonia Evans, Raven Evans
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