Park City, Utah – On the evening of April 25, 2025, the Sundance Film Festival’s annual charity gala, held at a luxurious venue in Park City, Utah, became the stage for an unforgettable drama that left attendees and the online world in awe. What started as a night meant to celebrate independent cinema and raise funds for emerging filmmakers turned into a shocking display of elitism when a group of wealthy socialites humiliated actress Kristen Stewart. But the evening took a stunning turn when Jodie Foster, Stewart’s longtime mentor and friend, stepped in with a response so powerful that it has since been hailed as a defining moment of solidarity and grace.
A Glamorous Gala with a Dark Undercurrent
The Sundance Film Festival, which runs annually in Park City, Utah, has long been a haven for independent filmmakers and a platform for groundbreaking cinema. This year’s charity gala, an extension of the festival’s tradition of celebrating artistic innovation, aimed to raise funds for scholarships and grants for young filmmakers. The event, held at a lavish mountain lodge adorned with twinkling lights and modern art installations, attracted a mix of Hollywood stars, industry insiders, and wealthy donors. Among the attendees were Kristen Stewart, 35, and Jodie Foster, 62, whose bond dates back to their time working together on the 2002 thriller Panic Room.
Stewart, known for her roles in Twilight and her recent critically acclaimed performances in independent films, arrived at the gala in a chic Chanel suit, a nod to her long-standing relationship with the fashion house. She has been a frequent presence at Sundance, having received the Visionary Award at the festival’s Opening Night Gala in January 2024, where she was honored for her contributions to independent cinema. Foster, who has also been a Sundance regular, attended the event to support the festival’s mission and to reconnect with Stewart, whom she has often described as “like a daughter.”
The evening began with the usual fanfare—cocktails, speeches, and a silent auction featuring exclusive film memorabilia. Stewart, who has always been known for her introverted nature despite her fame, mingled quietly with a few familiar faces, including her Panic Room co-star. However, the mood shifted when a group of wealthy women—socialites known for their influence in elite circles—began to target Stewart with cruel remarks and snide laughter.
The Humiliation Unfolds
The group of women, dressed in ostentatious gowns and dripping with diamonds, were overheard making derogatory comments about Stewart’s appearance and her non-conformist style. “She looks like she rolled out of bed and threw on a suit,” one of the women sneered, loud enough for Stewart and others nearby to hear. Another chimed in, “I guess money can’t buy class—or taste,” followed by a round of mocking laughter. The comments escalated as they criticized Stewart’s career, with one woman saying, “She only got where she is because of Twilight. She’s no real actress—just a tomboy who got lucky.”
Stewart, visibly hurt but trying to maintain her composure, attempted to walk away from the group, but the women followed her, continuing their taunts. They made jabs at her personal life, referencing her past relationship with Robert Pattinson and her “momentary indiscretion” with director Rupert Sanders in 2012—a scandal that had once dominated tabloids and that Stewart has since addressed publicly. “She’s a mess—always has been,” one of the women said, her voice dripping with disdain. The public humiliation was a stark contrast to the gala’s supposed spirit of unity and support for the arts.
Foster, who had been chatting with festival organizers nearby, noticed the commotion and quickly realized what was happening. Having known Stewart since she was 10 years old, when they filmed Panic Room together, Foster has always been protective of her. In a 2012 essay for The Daily Beast, Foster had written passionately about the toll that media scrutiny and public judgment can take on young actors, specifically citing Stewart’s struggles with fame. That protective instinct kicked in as she watched the scene unfold.
Foster’s Powerful Intervention
Foster approached the group with a calm but commanding presence, her expression a mix of disappointment and resolve. “Excuse me,” she said, her voice cutting through the women’s laughter. “I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation, and I have to say, I’m appalled. Kristen Stewart is one of the most talented and authentic artists I’ve ever worked with. She’s been a pioneer in this industry, and she’s here to support a cause we all care about. Your behavior is shameful.”
The women, caught off guard by Foster’s intervention, fell silent, their faces turning red with embarrassment. But Foster wasn’t done. She turned to Stewart, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder, and said, “Kristen, you don’t have to listen to this. You’re worth more than their words could ever diminish.” Then, addressing the entire room, Foster raised her voice slightly, ensuring everyone could hear: “This gala is about lifting each other up, not tearing people down. If you can’t respect that, maybe you don’t belong here.”
The room erupted in applause, with many attendees visibly moved by Foster’s defense of Stewart. The socialites, humiliated by the public reprimand, quickly gathered their things and left the gala, their exit met with whispers and disapproving glances from the crowd. Stewart, who had been on the verge of tears, gave Foster a grateful hug, whispering, “Thank you, Jodie. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
An Incredible Act of Generosity
Foster’s actions didn’t stop at words. Determined to turn the negative moment into a positive one, she took the stage during the gala’s main program, where she was scheduled to present an award for emerging filmmakers. After giving her speech, she made an unexpected announcement that left the room in stunned silence. “Tonight, I witnessed someone I care about deeply being unfairly treated,” she began, her voice steady but filled with emotion. “Kristen Stewart has been a light in this industry since she was a child, and I won’t stand by while she’s disrespected. So, in her honor, I’m making a $1 million donation to the Sundance Institute to support young women filmmakers who, like Kristen, dare to be themselves in a world that often tries to tear them down.”
The announcement was met with a standing ovation, with Stewart visibly moved as she joined Foster on stage, the two sharing a heartfelt embrace. Foster’s donation, which will fund scholarships, mentorship programs, and grants for women in independent cinema, was a powerful statement of solidarity—not just with Stewart, but with all women who face judgment and adversity in the industry. The moment was captured on video by attendees and quickly spread across social media, amassing millions of views overnight.
A Viral Sensation and Global Impact
By the morning of April 26, 2025, the story of Foster’s defense of Stewart had gone viral, with hashtags like #JodieForKristen and #SundanceSolidarity trending on X. Fans and celebrities alike praised Foster’s actions, with many highlighting her long history of supporting Stewart. The two first worked together in 2002 on Panic Room, where Stewart played Foster’s daughter, and their bond has remained strong ever since. In 2016, Stewart gave a heartfelt speech at Foster’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, calling her a mentor and a role model. More recently, in January 2024, they reunited at Sundance’s Opening Night Gala, where Stewart received the Visionary Award, and Foster was photographed beaming with pride alongside her and Hedison.
The incident at the 2025 gala, however, showcased a new depth to their relationship, with Foster stepping in as a fierce protector against the kind of elitism and cruelty she has long criticized. In a 2012 essay for The Washington Post, Foster decried the media culture that often destroys young actors, specifically mentioning Stewart’s struggles with public scrutiny following her Twilight fame and the Rupert Sanders scandal. Her actions at the gala were a real-time embodiment of that protective instinct, proving that her words were not just rhetoric but a commitment to action.
The viral video of Foster’s speech and donation announcement inspired a wave of support for the Sundance Institute, with donations pouring in from around the world. Other celebrities, including Jesse Eisenberg, who presented Stewart with her Visionary Award in 2024, and Ayo Edebiri, who has been vocal about supporting women in Hollywood, publicly praised Foster’s actions. “Jodie Foster is the definition of class and courage,” Eisenberg wrote on X. “Kristen deserves every bit of this support.”
A Lasting Legacy
For Kristen Stewart, the incident was a painful reminder of the judgment she has faced throughout her career, but Foster’s intervention turned it into a moment of empowerment. Stewart, who has been open about her struggles with fame and her identity as a queer woman, later posted a brief statement on Instagram, thanking Foster and the Sundance community. “I’ve never felt more seen or supported,” she wrote. “Jodie, you’re my hero. Thank you for reminding me—and all of us—that kindness and authenticity are worth fighting for.”
The incident also sparked a broader conversation about classism and elitism in charitable spaces, where wealth often overshadows the very causes events like the Sundance gala aim to support. Foster’s donation and her public stand against the socialites’ behavior have set a new standard for how celebrities can use their influence to advocate for change, not just through words but through tangible action.
As Foster continues her work on projects like Vie Privée, set to release later this year, and Stewart prepares for her next role, the two remain a powerful example of mentorship and solidarity in Hollywood. The incredible story of that night in Park City has left an indelible mark, proving that in the face of cruelty, kindness can be the most stunning response of all.
