Quentin Tarantino Pays Touching Tribute to Late A-Lister

Quentin Tarantino is giving credit where it’s due. The Oscar-winning director used his moment at the Burbank International Film Festival to honor the late Robert Redford, praising the Sundance Film Festival and Sundance Institute for shaping his career and the careers of countless other filmmakers.

Quentin Tarantino Reflects On Robert Redford’s Legacy

Tarantino, 61, accepted the festival’s Vanguard Award on Sunday night at the Marriott Burbank before sitting down for a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter’s Scott Feinberg. When asked about his early rise in Hollywood, Tarantino looked back on his time at Sundance in the early 1990s, specifically while developing his breakthrough debut, “Reservoir Dogs.”

“None of us independent filmmakers would be where we are without the Sundance Film Institute,” he told the crowd, drawing applause.

The director recalled being selected for Sundance’s Directors Lab in 1991, an experience he said was both intimidating and inspiring. “I’m dealing with Terry Gilliam, I’m dealing with Volker Schlöndorff, I’m dealing with Stanley Donen,” he marveled. “Stanley Donen, Volker Schlöndorff and Terry Gilliam are in my editing room as I’m editing my first scene on videocassette!”

The filmmaker admitted that it was a humbling experience to have such legends critique his work, but it ultimately pushed him to grow.

“A lot of money and a lot of people are dedicating their time just for us, just to give us the chance [to make an independent film],” he said, recalling his thinking. “They were saying ‘You’re young, and we might get on your case, we might bust your balls, but we see you.’ I just couldn’t believe something could be that artistically philanthropic.”

As the crowd applauded, Tarantino concluded his tribute: “So thank you very much, Mr. Redford.”

Tarantino Talks Career, Future, And Retirement Plans

The director, known for classics like “Pulp Fiction,” “Kill Bill,” and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” has often spoken about his intention to stop directing after 10 films. When asked once again if he was serious about retiring, Tarantino replied, “That’s the plan. We’ll see.”

His latest project is still in the works, though he has remained vague about whether it will truly be his swan song. What’s clear, however, is the gratitude he feels for the opportunities Sundance gave him decades ago — opportunities he says were made possible by Redford, who founded the festival in 1978 and the institute in 1981.

Redford, who died on September 16 at the age of 89, left behind a profound legacy as both an actor and activist.

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