Olivia Wilde is redrawing expectations for female filmmaker power at Sundance 2026. Her latest film, The Invite, which she directed and stars in, has become one of the most talked‑about premieres of this year’s festival. In Park City, Utah, the film’s tightly focused dinner‑party narrative, co‑written with Rashida Jones and Will McCormack, struck a chord with audiences and critics alike.
The buzz around The Invite quickly escalated into a competitive bidding war among top distributors. Studios including Focus Features and A24 were in contention, but industry insiders say A24 ultimately secured the film in a significant eight‑figure deal. This acquisition not only signals confidence in the film’s commercial prospects but also affirms Wilde’s growing influence in Hollywood’s creative circles.
The story itself revolves around the messy, hilarious, and emotionally charged interactions of two couples over the course of an evening. With Wilde and Seth Rogen portraying a marriage under strain and Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton as their seemingly carefree neighbors, the film blends comedy and realism with sharp dialogue and insight.
At its Sundance debut, The Invite garnered a rare standing ovation — a moment that visibly moved Wilde. Such reception underscores that her voice as a filmmaker resonates deeply with audiences. Her ability to balance humor and heartfelt exploration of modern relationships marks a milestone in her career trajectory, expanding beyond her earlier work and spotlighting her as a creative force in her own right.
This Sundance moment — with its critical enthusiasm and big‑studio triumph — reflects not just a successful film launch but the continued ascent of a leading woman in cinema, proving that powerful storytelling combined with female leadership can shake up the awards season pipeline and Hollywood’s broader culture.