Sundance Festival Directors Highlight 'The Invite' as Standout Film

Sundance Film Festival director Eugene Hernandez praised the raucous comedy as a must-see at this year's event.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 9:31am

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Ahead of the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, director Eugene Hernandez highlighted Olivia Wilde's comedy "The Invite" as a standout film that festivalgoers should make a point to see during its premiere at the Eccles Theater. The screening was a hit with the audience, according to Hernandez.

Why it matters

The Sundance Film Festival is one of the most prestigious independent film events, and the director's recommendation of "The Invite" could generate significant buzz and interest in the film, potentially leading to a distribution deal or wider recognition for the project.

The details

"The Invite" premiered during the first weekend of the 2026 Sundance Film Festival at the Eccles Theater, where it played extremely well with the audience according to festival director Eugene Hernandez. Hernandez singled out the film as a must-see for festivalgoers, highlighting its raucous comedic tone.

  • The 2026 Sundance Film Festival took place in Park City, Utah.
  • "The Invite" premiered during the first weekend of the festival.

The players

Eugene Hernandez

The director of the Sundance Film Festival.

Olivia Wilde

The director of the film "The Invite" that premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.

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What they’re saying

“That screening was a classic,”

— Eugene Hernandez, Sundance Film Festival director

The takeaway

The enthusiastic response to "The Invite" at its Sundance premiere suggests the film could be poised for success, potentially leading to a distribution deal or wider recognition for the project and its director Olivia Wilde.