Benedict Cumberbatch Celebrates Sundance Debut, Calls for LA Fire Relief

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Benedict Cumberbatch was the center of attention at the EbMaster Cover Party during Sundance, which was sponsored by United Airlines. At this event, he received recognition for his powerful portrayal as a mourning father in “The Thing With the Feathers”, featured on the cover of EbMaster’s 2025 Sundance issue. The party took place just before the film’s world premiere screening at Sundance.

EbMaster’s co-editor-in-chief, Ramin Setoodeh, began the event by making welcoming remarks and encouraging guests to contribute to the L.A. wildfire relief fund. Since Los Angeles is both EbMaster’s home base and a significant hub for the film industry, it is crucial that we lend a helping hand during these challenging times. Cumberbatch emphasized the importance of standing together as an industry and assisting those in need. He then pointed to the QR codes supplied by United and EbMaster, which direct donations to charities aiding with the relief efforts and supporting those affected by the wildfires.

Regarding EbMaster‘s Sundance issue, it’s one of the most significant publications we release annually, and this year, choosing our cover personality was effortless,” Setoodeh explained, directing his words towards the event’s laureate. “You’re familiar with our cover figure from his Academy Award-nominated performances in ‘The Imitation Game’ and ‘The Power of the Dog’, as well as portraying Doctor Strange. However, our feature piece reveals that Cumberbatch is using his celebrity to back and produce independent films, which is why we’ve all gathered here.

Cumberbatch stepped onto the stage and astonished everyone by admitting that it was his inaugural visit to Park City for the Sundance Film Festival in person. “To mark my first Sundance experience in such a manner is quite extraordinary,” he stated. “I’ve had a film here previously, but I’ve never attended it personally before.

It’s quite peculiar to be conversing with you at this moment before the movie premiere, considering that last year I was in some unusual studio in west London working alongside a man in an animatronic crow costume and two exceptional twins who rarely felt like acting,” Cumberbatch humorously explained, alluding to the film’s production process.

During his gratitude speech for his film’s team, Cumberbatch additionally acknowledged Sundance, expressing it as a “remarkable festival that consistently boosts daring, creative, and fresh narratives. It’s truly a privilege to be part of this event tonight.

At the EbMaster Cover Party, hosted by United Airlines, actors John Magaro and Ben Whishaw joined forces with Benedict Cumberbatch. The cast of his movie “Feathers,” led by director Dylan Southern and author Max Porter (whose book was the basis for the film), were also present. The event offered guests a variety of specialty cocktails, hors d’oeuvres such as duck confit and vegan tartare.

John Magaro and Ben Whishaw went to the EbMaster Cover Party with Benedict Cumberbatch. The team behind Cumberbatch’s movie “Feathers,” which includes director Dylan Southern and author Max Porter (who wrote the book that inspired the film), was also there. There were special drinks and finger foods like duck confit and vegan tartare for everyone to enjoy.

Titled “The Thing with Feathers,” this movie is crafted by director Southern based on Porter’s book “Grief Is the Thing with Feathers.” The story revolves around Cumberbatch’s character grappling with the loss of his wife, as he tries to care for their two children. Richard Boxall and Henry Boxall portray the children on screen, while David Thewlis, Vinette Robinson, and Sam Spruell are also part of the cast.

In an interview for the EbMaster Sundance cover story, Cumberbatch expressed that he found “The Thing With the Feathers” compelling due to its exploration of male sorrow.

He continued, “I don’t often encounter situations like that.” The character portrayed a man bravely confronting his limitations under the strain of work, personal life, and parenting duties, all while grappling with overwhelming grief. There were numerous obstacles to overcome in this story. Yet, I find such complex scenarios intriguing.

Later on, Cumberbatch confided in EbMaster during their encounter in Park City that the character he portrayed in the movie was the most similar to himself he’s ever acted on screen. He further explained, “This character is as close to me as any others I’ve played, truth be told. The middle-class father, residing in northwest London. It all felt incredibly authentic, and I had an immediate connection with it.

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2025-01-26 18:17