There’s something powerful about a brand that shows up not just to be seen — but to give back and pay the gift forward. And this year in Park City, Acura is doing exactly that.
As a Presenting Sponsor of the Sundance Film Festival for the 16th consecutive year, Acura’s presence goes far beyond transport vehicles and VIP moments. It’s about creating moments, uplifting independent artists, championing underrepresented voices, and investing in the storytelling that shapes our culture — on screen and far beyond the festival.
Honoring Legacy, Funding the Future
One of the landmark moments of this year’s festival centers on legacy and philanthropy. In honor of Sundance Institute Founder Robert Redford, Acura will auction the iconic Acura NSX Roadster — famously driven in Marvel’s The Avengers — with a guaranteed contribution from Acura benefiting the Sundance Institute.
We love that this isn’t just a decorative display piece. It’s Acura, Honda‘s upmarket arm’s, commitment to honor talent and ensure the work continues. Proceeds from the upcoming 2026 Cars & Bids auction will directly support the Sundance Institute’s year-round mission to nurture independent artists and emerging voices, with the winning bidder also able to designate additional funds to the Institute. Purpose, amplified.
The Acura House of Energy: Creativity in Motion
At the heart of Acura’s Sundance presence is the Acura House of Energy — a vibrant hub where film, culture, and community collide. From January 23–26, the space comes alive with programming that intentionally highlights organizations at the forefront of driving change, including GLAAD, Indigenous House, Women in Film (WIF), NAACP, Gold House, ASCAP, and more.
Panels explore how storytelling plays a role in shaping policy, elevating representation, building empathy, and reinforcing equity. Conversations are led by filmmakers, activists, and creators who are actively involved reshaping the industry — and the narratives we all consume.
It’s the fertile ground to create the seeds of change and where philanthropy becomes experiential. It’s also the point where fame and visibility turn directly into channeled access.
Vehicles That Move the Community
In a natural alignment, Acura’s commitment also shows up in the details that move the festival forward. The 2026 Acura MDX serves as the Official Vehicle of the Festival. The MDX will transport filmmakers, artists, and industry leaders throughout Park City, delightfully supporting the logistics that make Sundance run seamlessly. The all-new 2026 Acura ADX anchors the House of Energy, offering a tangible, interactive expression of Acura’s future-forward vision while welcoming the next generation of creatives in style.
It’s performance with intention — designed to move people, literally and figuratively.
Celebrating Stories That Matter
From premiering films like BUDDY and CHASING SUMMER to facilitating conversations around LGBTQ storytelling, Indigenous representation, women-led narratives, and the power of music in film, Acura’s programming reflects a clear vision that connects directly the principals and purposes of the brand: stories matter, and who gets to tell them matters even more.
This year’s Vanguard Awards, presented by Acura, will honor filmmakers Nia DaCosta (Fiction) and Geeta Gandbhir (Nonfiction). The annual awards serve to reinforce Acura’s commitment to celebrating bold creativity and authentic cultural impact in a seamlessly natural way.
Why This Matters
In a moment where brands are increasingly asked to stand for something and honor the humans that they serve, Acura’s long-standing partnership with Sundance feels aligned and quite intentional, consistent, and authenticly true — long before passion driven purpose became hip. It’s not about a logo on a step-and-repeat. It’s about investment in people, reinforcing platforms, and facilitating progress.
And that’s exactly what we came to see — where innovation meets empathy, and performance is paired with purpose. Park City may be the setting, but the impact of this work carries far beyond the mountains.
For more information about the 2026 Acura MDX, visit here or the ADX, visit here.
To see more of the lineup at the 2026 Sundance Festival, visit here.
