Full Breakdown
Olivia Wilde and Natalie Portman Speak Out Against ICE at Sundance Film Festival
1/25/2026, 3:43:52 AM
Emotional Responses to Recent Tragedy
At the Sundance Film Festival, Olivia Wilde expressed her deep concern over the recent killing of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota. Wilde, who is at the festival promoting her film “The Invite,” articulated her feelings on the red carpet, stating, “We’re all here getting to celebrate something really beautiful and hopeful in film storytelling. But the world is hurting right now, and this country is hurting. And it’s appalling.” She emphasized the urgency of addressing violence against individuals, declaring, “People are being murdered,” and criticized the normalization of such events in society.
Wilde called for action against ICE, labeling it as an “unbelievably criminal organization.” She highlighted the importance of supporting movements aimed at delegitimizing ICE, stating, “If we can do anything out here to support the movement to cast ICE out, then that’s what we should be doing.” Her sentiments reflect a broader concern among festival attendees regarding the current political climate and its impact on communities.
Solidarity Among Filmmakers
Natalie Portman, also present at Sundance, demonstrated her solidarity by wearing pins that read “ICE Out” and “Be Good” while discussing her film “The Gallerist.” Portman remarked on the duality of the festival atmosphere, saying, “This is such a joyful community celebrating film here... but we’re also at a moment in our country’s history that is quite devastating.” She echoed Wilde’s sentiments about the brutality of ICE, insisting that it must “stop immediately.” Portman praised the collective action of Americans, noting, “They’re showing up for each other, protecting each other and fighting for their freedom.”
Broader Implications
The statements from Wilde and Portman reflect a growing movement among artists and activists who are increasingly vocal about social justice issues. Their presence at Sundance serves as a reminder that while the festival celebrates cinematic achievements, it also provides a platform for addressing pressing societal concerns. Wilde concluded her remarks with a poignant observation: “It’s a bittersweet moment to celebrate something we’re so proud of on the backdrop of our nation in pain.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’re all here getting to celebrate something really beautiful and hopeful in film storytelling,” — Olivia Wilde, Director
- “It’s really impossible not to talk about what is happening right now and the brutality of ICE and how it has to stop immediately.” — Natalie Portman, Actress
The discussions at Sundance highlight the intersection of art and activism, as filmmakers use their platforms to advocate for change in the face of national tragedies.
