To be or not to be a contender? The answer is a resounding yes, as Andrew Scott may finally get that Oscar nomination that has eluded him so far.
“Shattering.” “Brilliant.” “Powerfully moving.” That’s how critics have described his performance in Elsinore, which debuted at the Telluride Film Festival to rave reviews, and went on to win over audiences at the Toronto Film Festival as well, where it won the International People’s Choice Award. Elsinore, which is directed by Simon Stone and written by Stephen Beresford (Pride), is currently ranked at 88% on Rotten Tomatoes and 75 on Metacritic.
Scott stars as Scottish actor Ian Charleson, who has achieved a certain measure of fame for his role in Chariots of Fire — but truly longs for a return to the stage. He’s finally offered the opportunity to play his dream role of Hamlet at the National Theater, only to start suffering from the symptoms of AIDS. Olivia Colman co-stars as his doctor, Margaret Johnson, who goes on to become a pioneer in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. Billie Piper plays his best friend, along with Johnny Flynn as the show’s director.
“If you’re going to be play this part, there’s to be no more talk of death,” cautions Colman’s Dr. Johnson in the trailer, which was just released by Focus.
Counters Scott: “It might be tricky — it’s one of the central themes of the play.”
Watch the trailer below — plus learn everything you need to know about Elsinore.
THE PLOT
The official logline says: “The deeply emotional and inspirational true story of Ian Charleson, a gifted actor whose greatest challenge becomes his greatest triumph. Facing his own mortality with unflinching honesty, wit, and grace, Charleson delivers a courageous performance that becomes a source of healing and inspiration for those around him.”
THE CREATIVE TEAM
The rest of the cast includes: Luke Thompson, David Dawson, Matthew Beard, Joe Locke, Monica Dolan, Georgie Glen, Sadie Soverall, Adeel Akhtar, Dickie Beau, Kadiff Kirwan with Juliet Stevenson and Peter Mullan. Elsinore is produced by StudioCanal, LD Entertainment, Lucky Red and Magnolia Mae Films.
FIRST-LOOK PHOTOS
In addition to the trailer, Focus also shared the below photos.
AWARDS PROSPECTS
Let’s start with the film’s best chances: Given the strong reviews, Scott is considered one of the top contenders for the best actor race, even in the tightly competitive field. Our experts have him assured of a nomination in the No. 2 slot, just behind front-runner John Malkovich.
Best Actor
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John Malkovich
Wild Horse Nine
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Robert Pattinson
Primetime
Keep an eye on Colman’s odds in the supporting actress race. Now that Anne Hathaway has declared herself and Digger has begun screening, that category may adjust a bit, especially since Penélope Cruz is holding two slots (No. 3 and No. 5 for La Bola Negra and The Invite, respectively). Colman is at No. 7 currently, but can certainly climb as sentiment for her well-received performance grows.
Best Supporting Actress
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Anne Hathaway
The Odyssey
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Samantha Morton
The Odyssey
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Penelope Cruz
La Bola Negra
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Tao Okamoto
All of a Sudden
As for the film itself, it’s currently in the No. 12 slot in the Best Picture race with our experts — worth noting that it’s up 23%, given that ever-shifting landscape.
Best Picture
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THE RELEASE DATE
Focus Features will be releasing the film Nov. 20 in select theaters, expanding to additional markets over Thanksgiving and throughout December.
This post was originally published on Sept. 22, and updated Sept. 28 with the trailer.
