Sundance Celebrates 20 Years of 'Little Miss Sunshine' with Beloved Cast

Paul Dano receives warm welcome at film's anniversary screening after Quentin Tarantino's recent criticism.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 7:39pm

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The Sundance Film Festival hosted a 20th anniversary screening of the indie hit 'Little Miss Sunshine' inside the Eccles Theatre, bringing together the film's beloved cast and directors for a celebratory reunion. The event marked Paul Dano's first public appearance since director Quentin Tarantino stirred controversy by criticizing Dano's performance in 'There Will Be Blood'. Dano and his co-stars, including Toni Collette, Greg Kinnear, and Abigail Breslin, received enthusiastic applause from the audience, with two fans even shouting 'We love you, Paul!' during the panel discussion.

Why it matters

The 'Little Miss Sunshine' screening at Sundance highlighted the enduring popularity and acclaim for the 2006 indie film, which launched the careers of many of its young stars. Dano's warm reception from the audience also demonstrated the strong support he has received from the film community following Tarantino's controversial comments, underscoring the respect and admiration Dano has earned from his peers.

The details

The 'Little Miss Sunshine' screening was part of Sundance's Park City Legacy program, which celebrates standout films from the festival's past. The film's directors, Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, as well as screenwriter Michael Arndt, joined the cast on stage for a panel discussion following the showing. Dano revealed that he first auditioned for the film at age 18, but the project took over five years to come to fruition, with Dano ultimately starring in the role at age 20. Despite his initial nerves about turning 21 during the shoot, the film went on to become a critical and commercial success, earning four Academy Award nominations and a win for Arndt's screenplay.

  • Little Miss Sunshine debuted at the Sundance Film Festival on January 20, 2006.
  • The 20th anniversary screening took place on January 30, 2026.

The players

Paul Dano

An American actor who starred as Dwayne in the film 'Little Miss Sunshine'. Dano has received widespread acclaim for his acting work, including a recent controversy sparked by director Quentin Tarantino's criticism of his performance in 'There Will Be Blood'.

Toni Collette

An Australian actress who played the role of Sheryl Hoover, the mother in 'Little Miss Sunshine'. Collette flew all the way from Australia to attend the 20th anniversary screening at Sundance.

Greg Kinnear

An American actor who portrayed Richard Hoover, the father, in 'Little Miss Sunshine'.

Abigail Breslin

An American actress who played the role of Olive Hoover, the young daughter, in 'Little Miss Sunshine'.

Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris

The directors of 'Little Miss Sunshine', who received a standing ovation at the Sundance screening.

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What they’re saying

“Are we really going there? Fuck that guy [Tarantino]. Who does that?”

— Toni Collette, Actress (Variety)

“I was also incredibly grateful that the world spoke up for me so I didn't have to.”

— Paul Dano, Actor (Variety)

“The funny thing is they say that lightning doesn't strike twice, but watching this movie again in this theater, I can't help but feel like it fell 20 years ago at this festival.”

— Eugene Hernandez, Sundance Festival Director (N/A)

“To have everyone together after all this time, this is a miracle. And thank you guys for helping make it happen.”

— Jonathan Dayton, Director (N/A)

“Everything was just more. It was more moving, more joyous, and I noticed things that I didn't notice 20 years ago. And I think 20 years of growth allows you a completely different perspective.”

— Toni Collette, Actress (N/A)

What’s next

The Sundance Film Festival will be moving its operations from Park City, Utah to Boulder, Colorado starting in 2027, marking the end of an era for the iconic festival's longtime home.

The takeaway

The enthusiastic response to the 'Little Miss Sunshine' 20th anniversary screening at Sundance underscores the enduring legacy and impact of the beloved indie film. Despite the passage of two decades, the movie's quirky characters, heartwarming story, and talented cast continue to resonate with audiences, cementing its status as a modern classic.