Benedict Cumberbatch Graces Variety's Sundance Cover Party

At the Variety Cover Party presented by United Airlines during Sundance, Benedict Cumberbatch took the spotlight. The actor adorned the cover of Variety's 2025 Sundance issue and was honored for his poignant portrayal of a grieving father in "The Thing With the Feathers."

Ramin Setoodeh, co-editor-in-chief of Variety, initiated the event by emphasizing the importance of supporting wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles, the heart of the variety and film industries. Cumberbatch echoed this sentiment, urging the industry to unite and assist those affected by the blazes.

"Variety's Sundance edition is one of our most significant releases of the year, and Cumberbatch was an obvious choice for the cover," said Setoodeh. "Beyond his Oscar-nominated roles in 'The Imitation Game' and 'The Power of the Dog,' as well as his portrayal of Doctor Strange, our cover story reveals his commitment to supporting and producing independent cinema."

To the audience's surprise, Cumberbatch shared that this was his first time attending the Sundance Film Festival in Park City. "To celebrate my inaugural Sundance in this manner is incredible," he remarked. "I've had films here previously, but never in person."

Cumberbatch praised Sundance as an "extraordinary festival that continually promotes bold, innovative, and original storytelling." He expressed his gratitude for the honor of attending the event.

Actors John Magaro and Ben Whishaw joined the Variety Cover Party to support Cumberbatch. The "Feathers" team was also present, including director Dylan Southern and author Max Porter, whose book inspired the film. Guests enjoyed unique cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, including duck confit and vegan tartare.

"The Thing With the Feathers," directed and written by Southern, is based on Porter's novel "Grief Is the Thing with Feathers." It follows Cumberbatch's character as he navigates the complexities of raising his sons following the sudden loss of his wife. Richard Boxall and Henry Boxall portray Cumberbatch's children, while David Thewlis, Vinette Robinson, and Sam Spruell complete the cast.

Cumberbatch, in his Variety Sundance cover story, mentioned being drawn to "The Thing With the Feathers" because of its focus on male grief. "There aren't many examples of that," he explained. "This character confronts his limitations while juggling work, life, and fatherhood, all while his sense of self is shattered by grief. It posed significant challenges, but I thrive on them."

Cumberbatch expressed that his role in "The Thing With the Feathers" was the closest he has come to portraying his real self on screen. "This character is as close to me as any I've ever played," he stated. "The middle class, the fatherhood, the northwest London setting—it all felt incredibly relatable and accessible."