Maggie Smith helms what will likely do pretty good business in limited release, The Lady in the Van. Maggie Smith played the character in the original 1999 production. It “tells the true story about an elderly woman called Mary Shepherd who lived in a battered car on the driveway of the writer Alan Bennett for 15 years.” Pic is directed by Sir Nicholas Robert Hytner.
sasha, what about Regina Case in The Second Mother – Best actress in Sundance Film Festival?
With every new contender arising this is becoming probably the most exciting best actress race in years. So many possibilities looking to get nominated and I really have no idea who is our likely winner because so many contenders have already won . The only person I feel is guaranteed a nomination is Blanchett because she’s been seen and raved. Other’s who sight unseen seem good are Lawrence and Mulligan who seems likeliest of all women to get a long overdue second nomination. I just look forward to this race and supporting that I almost forget about male acting categories because both are less exciting in terms of winners and nominees. All I hope is even if the academy snubs them women like Elisabeth Moss, Charlotte Rampling, Nina Hoss and many more can get critics mentions as they all seem to give exceptional performances.
THR is reporting that Lady in the Van will be released in December. Thank goodness. Maggie deserves more Oscars, and this is her best chance in years of winning another one. They better not screw this up.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/maggie-smith-film-lady-van-817403
Watch out for her. I am in no way saying she’ll be nominated or should without seeing but if it hits with critics and Academy, I can absolutely see her getting a nom ‘shocking’ someone that everyone is talking about now as getting a nom.
I don’t think they’re dumping it in January–I think they are strategizing–Jan or Feb will be a better viewer climate after the Xmas rush and Maggie will be on display in D. Abbey too. I think it’s a better plan- but glad it will be eligible for Oscar chances.
Eligible when?! In 2016?! So, basically, they’re dumping it early next year because they’ve little faith in its chances.
Nobody does this to my Maggie! Two Oscars is not enough for this icon.
My Old Lady…Lady in the Van…
I more or less echo Benutty’s sentiment because while I haven’t seen all of her performances in full-feature films, Maggie Smith’s always delivered regardless of whether it be an effort in association with tentpoles, indie films, mainstream flicks, the so-called Oscar movies, etc.
I’ll watch this film one way or another for Maggie Smith’s performance.
Regarding the awards season, I’m hoping the film as a whole is good enough and in balance with her (supposedly) great/good performance (as usual) so that both or at least her performance or other elements (writing, etc.) may get a chance at least to be seriously considered by voters (any of the voting bodies including Oscar).
Just announced-the film will get a screening at Toronto Film festival and will be eligible for Oscar consideration in 2016.
This might be one of the most meme-worthy pics of Maggie Smith. Also after many years of playing upper-class and/or authoritative roles, it’ll be interesting to see her in something like this. Then again I haven’t seen all of her movies so maybe this is another go around.
Last I heard the US release date for mid-Dec was cancelled/postponed, even though it appears to be opening in the UK in Nov2015. I hope it plays in LA in Dec at least–for Oscar consideration.
I love Maggie Smith so much. Can’t wait for this.