‘The Forty-Year-Old Version’ creator Radha Blank to be honored by Sundance with Vanguard Award

Radha Blank, the creator of Netflix’s brilliant new film “The Forty-Year-Old-Version” is about to go on an award tour.

On Thursday, The Sundance Institute announced that the breakout writer, director, actress and producer will be honored with the 2020 Vanguard Award.

The award honors the artistic achievement of her feature film directorial debut, which premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival and was developed at the Institute’s labs.

“The Forty-Year-Old Version” was recently nominated in the Best Screenplay category for the 2020 Gotham Awards.

For her first time out, the New York City native won the directing prize at the festival for the black and white 35-mm. film made on a shoestring budget.

Blank stars as a down-on-her-luck Brooklyn-bred playwright who decides to reinvent herself and use her artistic voice by becoming a rapper at the age of 40.

The acclaimed dramedy — reminiscent of early Spike Lee and Woody Allen with a dash of Issa Rae’s “Insecure” — also features Peter Y. Kim, Oswin Benjamin, Reed Birney, Imani Lewis, TJ Atoms, Jacob Ming-Trent and Stacey Sargeant with cameos by rappers Styles P, Sadat X and Babs Bunny.

Launched in October on the streaming platform, the semi-autobiographical film — described as an “ode to the unfulfilled, and those whose adversity gives them a one-of-a-kind story to tell” — immediately became among one of Netflix’s Top 10.

“Radha’s singular vision, unique voice and comedic tone were immediately captivating,” Sundance Feature Film Program Founding Director Michelle Satter said in the announcement. “We were proud to offer Rahda the time and space to grow her skills as a writer, director and actor at our Labs.”

Past vanguard award recipients include Ryan Coogler, Damien Chazelle, Nate Parker, Dee Rees, Boots Riley and Lulu Wang.

“It’s a thrill to be acknowledged by my Sundance Institute family, who’ve been behind me from the very beginning of the journey for this film,” Blank said in a statement. “They provided support of my vision, development of my voice in the screenwriting and directing labs — where I not only received vital mentorship but also cultivated a fellowship with other filmmakers who, just like the wonderful champions at Sundance, will be a cherished part of my life and career from here until forever. Thanks so much Sundance for seeing me, and lifting me up for my first film. Receiving this award affirms my path as a director, and is one hell of a way to begin my career. Thank you!”

The Institute will hold a free special event to celebrate the award on Dec. 2. Academy Award winner Octavia Spencer, an adviser to Blank at the Labs, will attend the event, which will include a conversation between Blank and 2019 vanguard award recipient Wang.

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