IMDb’s 35th Anniversary Dinner at Sundance: A Star-Studded Celebration of Film and Legacy

Hillary Latos

A Night of Industry Icons

On January 27, IMDb celebrated its 35th anniversary with an exclusive dinner at the St. Regis Deer Valley, gathering entertainment’s most influential figures for a refined evening of camaraderie and conversation.

(L-R) Amanda Kelso, Michelle Satter and Col Needham attend the IMDb and IMDbPro 35th Anniversary Dinner Party at RIME at The St. Regis Deer Valley | Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images for IMDb

An Invitation-Only Affair

This high-profile event brought together IMDb CEO Nikki Santoro, Founder Col Needham, and Sundance Institute CEO Amanda Kelso, alongside distinguished industry executives, producers, and talent.

Col Needham speaks during the IMDb and IMDbPro 35th Anniversary Dinner Party | Photo by David Becker/Getty Images for IMDb

A Tribute to 1990’s Cinematic Legacy

The evening paid homage to films from 1990, the year of IMDb’s inception, spotlighting a pivotal era that transformed how audiences engage with entertainment.

(L-R) Fawzia Mirza and Sonya Passi attend the IMDb and IMDbPro 35th Anniversary Dinner Party | Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images for IMDb

A Culinary Experience in Luxury

Guests indulged in a meticulously curated gourmet dining experience, accompanied by signature craft cocktails, reinforcing IMDb’s commitment to excellence in both entertainment and hospitality.

A view of table settings during the IMDb and IMDbPro 35th Anniversary Dinner Party | Photo by David Becker/Getty Images for IMDb

Exclusive IMDb Studio at Sundance

From January 24-26, IMDb hosted The IMDb Studio at the Acura House of Energy, capturing exclusive celebrity portraits and fostering engaging conversations with the industry’s leading talents.

Benedict Cumberbatch visits the IMDb Portrait Studio at Acura House of Energy on location at Sundance 2025 Film Festival | (Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images for IMDb

Hollywood’s Finest in Attendance

Renowned actors Dave Franco, Alison Brie, Benedict Cumberbatch, Elijah Wood, Jesse Williams, Callum Turner, and Olivia Colman were among the stars who participated in the IMDb Studio sessions.

Olivia Colman visits the IMDb Portrait Studio | Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images for IMDb

Celebrating Women in Film

Notable figures such as Michelle Satter, Brenda Robinson, and Andria Wilson Mirza attended, underscoring IMDb’s ongoing support for female and underrepresented voices in entertainment.

(L-R) Andria Wilson Mirza and Fawzia Mirza attend the IMDb and IMDbPro 35th Anniversary Dinner Party | Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images for IMDb

The IMDb STARmeter Awards

IMDb honored Bowen Yang and Molly Gordon with its coveted Fan Favorite STARmeter Awards, recognizing their rising influence and immense popularity among IMDb’s 250 million monthly visitors.

Bowen Yang receives the IMDb "Fan Favorite" STARmeter Award at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival | Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images for IMDb

Championing Film Innovation

The event provided a platform for insightful discussions on film, industry trends, and the future of entertainment, solidifying IMDb’s role as an essential resource in the cinematic world.

Dave Franco visits the IMDb Portrait Studio | Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images for IMDb

Industry Leaders in Conversation

Attendees included Robin Bronk (The Creative Coalition), Erica Fishman (ReFrame), Sonya Passi (FreeFrom), Jeffrey Sharp (The Gotham), and Erik Feig (producer), each bringing their expertise to the dialogue.

(L-R) Robin Bronk, Emily Glassman and Michael Mimeles visit the IMDb Portrait Studio | Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images for IMDb

A Legacy of Influence

IMDb’s enduring impact on film and entertainment journalism was a focal point, with industry professionals reflecting on its evolution from a passion project to a global powerhouse in film discovery.

Alex Wolff visits the IMDb Portrait Studio | Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images for IMDb

Expanding IMDb’s Vision

With its 35th anniversary marking a major milestone, IMDb continues to set the standard for entertainment insight, discovery, and community engagement, reinforcing its significance within the industry.

John Lithgow visits the IMDb Portrait Studio | Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images for IMDb
Molly Gordon receives the IMDb "Fan Favorite" STARmeter Award at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival | Mat Hayward/Getty Images for IMDb