Hedda Archbold, Author at HLA Agency

Mark Kermode Live In 3D | Show 74 | November 2022

The 74th episode of MK3D at the BFI Southbank on Monday 7 November saw Mark on stage with a brilliantly varied group of talented guests, and discussions about film of different genres.

First on stage was director Charlotte Wells, talking about her latest feature AFTERSUN, which has been nominated for 16 BIFA awards. She talked about the autobiographical roots of the film and working with her leads Frankie Corio and Paul Mescal. She also discussed The Film That Changed Her Life, Lynne Ramsey’s 1997 GASMAN. The portrayal of memory in this short impacted her own filmmaking style.

Following this Mark was joined by Saul Williams and Anisia Uzeyman, who talked about NEPTUNE FROST – an Afrofuturist sci-fi punk musical that opened in cinemas on Friday 4th November. They highlighted the significance of music, movement and sensory joy within the frame, and encouraged the audience to get up and dance in cinemas whilst watching the film. Anisia expresses her love for Wong Kar-Wai’s HAPPY TOGETHER, and Saul explained why the music in his guilty pleasure, MARY POPPINS, is actually rap music.

During Ask The Audience Mark received a question about the position of independent cinema in the current film streaming scene, to which he responded with a positive outlook on the wider availability of independent films and called cinema lovers to take risks with what films they go to see. This was followed by a question about the restoration of THE DEVILS, to which Mark got on his soapbox to say that the uncut version of the incredible Ken Russell film should be released universally.

Next, we saw filmmaker Ondi Timoner talk about LAST FLIGHT HOME, a moving film about the last days and intentional death of her father. She went on to talk about The Film That Changed Her Life, Frederik Wiseman’s 1967 TITICUT FOLLIES, which sparked her curiosity for making the private public – with the camera acting as a bridge into worlds otherwise unseen.

After this, Mark was joined by A BUNCH OF AMATEURS directors Kim Hopkins and Margaréta Szabó and stars Joe Ogden and Harry Nicholls, who discussed their charming new movie about the oldest filmmaking club in the world. Mark asked Harry and Joe about the films that influenced them; Harry highlighted the original KING KONG, while Joe chose BIRDEMIC: SHOCK AND TERROR and BEING THERE.

Intimacy coordinator Ita O’Brien returned to MK3D after her last appearance in July 2021 to talk about her role in the film industry and the work she does with Intimacy On Set. She discussed the new releases she has worked on which include EMPIRE OF LIGHT, LADY CHATTERLEY’S LOVER, PRETTY RED DRESS, OUTDOORS, and BRAINWASHED: SEX-CAMERA-POWER.

Ita was joined on stage by DANGEROUS LIAISONS star Paloma Faith. The pair worked together during the intimate scenes in DANGEROUS LIAISONS, the television series that premiered on 6th November on LIONSGATE+. Paloma explained that Ita helped refine her performance and made her feel comfortable on set as a postpartum woman. Paloma revealed her guilty pleasure Nick Sparks’ 2004 THE NOTEBOOK, a film Mark clarified is nothing to feel guilty about.

We ran out of time so we had to skip Ita’s Guilty Pleasure, which will be revealed in next month’s 75th edition of MK3D at the BFI Southbank.

Mark Kermode Live In 3D | Show 73 | October 2022

This month was our 73rd MK3D at the BFI Southbank and featured yet more wonderful guests and discussions about film.

The show opened with GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY director Rian Johnson and stars Kathryn Hahn and Kate Hudson, who shared their experiences working on the film and the community atmosphere as they shot during the pandemic. The three mentioned their highlights of filming #GlassOnion as well as their favourite detective movies. Rian revealed a love of THE LAST OF SHEILA which was the inspiration for his own whodunnits.

In Here’s The Thing Mark paid tribute to the passing of talented actress Angela Ladbury, who also had a cameo in #GlassOnion. Mark went on to highlight Black History Month and celebrate the new release of THE WOMAN KING which stars Viola Davis, whose performance will no doubt see her nominated for best actress this year. Mark then made a strong case for the audience to take action to save the Edinburgh Filmhouse, Aberdeen Filmhouse and Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF), which went into administration earlier this month. The EIFF was the oldest continuously running film festival, and it and both cinemas were key to the creative landscape in the UK and worldwide. This is devastating news for the industry – you too can sign the petition to save them, here: https://chng.it/tKHxf9MNtS

Our second guest was director Eddie Sternberg, who spoke about his feature I USED TO BE FAMOUS; a feel-good British Netflix film about the friendship of a washed-up pop star (Ed Skrein) and a musically gifted neurodivergent young man (Leo Long). Eddie speaks about his casting choices, representation, and inspirations behind the film, which was followed by a discussion of his love for horror, and in particular IT FOLLOWS.

During Ask the Audience, Mark received questions about his favourite director-actor duo; his answer mentioned the collaborative works of Cornish based filmmaker Mark Jenkin and Mary Woodvine, and the somewhat explosive pairing of Werner Herzog and Klaus Kinski. Mark also offered advice to aspiring film critics.

Next, Mark interviewed BFI film programmers Anna Bogutskaya and Michael Blyth about the upcoming horror season IN DREAMS ARE MONSTERS – the trailer for which is enough to scare you alone. Anna and Michael talked about their selection process for the films being shown, and mentioned their favourites, THE LURE and SOCIETY. If you’re a horror fan, this season is for you. It runs from October-December across the UK so you have no excuse to miss it!

Lastly, Mark welcomed Professor Sir Christopher Frayling to the stage to chat about his new book VAMPIRE CINEMA: THE FIRST ONE HUNDRED YEARS, which comes out later this month. Christopher also spoke about his love for NOSFERATU, and introduced the audience to the strangely comedic and largely unknown Universal short BOO!

When asked his opinion on vampire classic TWILIGHT, Christopher expressed his disdain for the ‘approved by parents’ vampires in the films – an opinion Mark couldn’t help to disagree with.

Mark closed the show with a Sound & Vision segment celebrating the “maybe-horror” film BEETLEJUICE.

Mark Kermode Live In 3D | Show 72 | September 2022

This month’s MK3D at the BFI Southbank (no. 72!) saw another incredible array of guests and some great conversations about film culture.

We are back to using roaming microphones for our audience Q&As, and our brilliant audience asked Mark about everything from lost media and TV (the website mentioned is here for any people interested: https://lostmediawiki.com/Home) to the furore around the premiere of DON’T WORRY DARLING.

The news in Here’s the Thing of course focused on the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. In tribute, Mark played a clip from THE QUEEN starring Helen Mirren.

Mark then moved on to Michael Flatley’s latest film BLACKBIRD for which he has – somehow – won Best Actor at Monaco Streaming Film Festival. He then, swiftly, moved on to a much better festival: the London Film Festival.

Our first guest on stage was director of the LFF Tricia Tuttle, who gave us an excellent rundown of what’s on at the festival. Her highlights included opening film ROALD DAHL’S MATILDA THE MUSICAL, big festival moments Guillermo del Toro’s PINOCCHIO and Sam Mendes’ EMPIRE OF LIGHT, and five British debut films: BLUE JEAN, PRETTY RED DRESS, ORIGIN, AFTERSUN and MEDUSA DELUXE. Finally she looked forward to Rian Johnson’s GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY.

Our second guest was director Toby Amies who spoke about his feature documentary about the band King Crimson, IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING. After some anecdotes about filming the band and its leader Robert Fripp, Toby told us his Guilty Pleasure: the wonderful LEGALLY BLONDE – which is absolutely nothing to be guilty about.

Next, Mark returned to a news item in Here’s The Thing, highlighting Tom Cruise’s most recent video promoting his latest film MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – DEAD RECKONING PART ONE. This clip truly has to be seen to be believed – so go and watch it.

After that, Mark welcomed director Babak Anvari to the stage to talk about his new Netflix film I CAME BY starring Hugh Bonneville and the brilliant George MacKay (a round of applause for him and for co-star Kelly Macdonald came from the audience). Babak then spoke about his Influential Film CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND and his film influences which span everything from Hitchcock to NIGHTCRAWLERS.

Finally, MK3D friend Mike Leigh took to the stage to talk about his current event at The Garden Cinema in which every single one of his films is being screened in chronological order, each one followed by a Q&A with the man himself. Mike told us all about his wonderful directing style and how he elicits such natural performances from the actors.

We closed the show with a tribute to Robert Fripp who collaborated with David Bowie on Heroes, which was used to great effect in one of the intoxicating scenes in CHRISTIANE F.

Mark thanked all the guests for coming – including the legendary director of GRACE OF MY HEART and GAS, FOOD LODGING Allison Anders, who had turned up to watch the show!

Mark Kermode Live In 3D | Show 71 | July 2022

This month’s MK3D at the BFI Southbank saw another stellar array of guests and insightful conversations about Film and TV.

We are finally allowed to have roving mics again so we can do impromptu audience Q&As (hurrah!) Audience members asked about the canon of autistic films – which Mark agreed should NOT include RAIN MAN; the success of summer blockbuster TOP GUN: MAVERICK, and which ELVIS biopic is truly the best.

Our first guests on stage were BRIAN AND CHARLES co-writer and star David Earl and co-star Louise Brealey who talked about their brilliant new feature, which won the audience award at Sundance London last month. David talked about the film that has most influenced his work, director Chris Smith’s little-see documentary gem AMERICAN MOVIE (1999), and Mark reminded Louise of her experience of watching THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT at Cannes – her response to which was so powerful that it featured in Mark’s Channel 4 documentary THE BLAIR WITCH PHENOMENON.

The news in Here’s the Thing focused on James Caan, who sadly passed away recently – Mark especially celebrated Caan’s roles in MISERY and ROLLERBALL. Mark also looked ahead at our upcoming MK3D at Latitude on 22 July, where he will go head to head with Jack Howard about their very different responses to THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER.

Our second guest was director Charlotte Colbert who talked about her feature debut SHE WILL. Much to Mark’s surprise, the film that most influenced her was DEAD AGAIN. She explained that the themes of inherited trauma have very much influenced her work – but it was also influential because she repeatedly watched it secretly, because she wasn’t allowed to see it at a young and tender age. After the conversation Mark agreed that perhaps he had been wrong to dismiss the film – and Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson’s roles – and it might be due a rewatch.

After another Ask The Audience (we are so excited to be back to roving mics!) Mark welcomed his final guest, the magnificent Brett Goldstein, to talk about his pod FILMS TO BE BURIED WITH, about writing on and starring in the successful TV show TED LASSO – and about the final scene of THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER, in which the news drops that Brett is to be Hercules in the Marvel Universe. Brett is working out to get the right physique and Brett and Mark ended up doing synchronised push-ups on stage. A memorable moment for sure. Brett talked about The Film That Changed His Life, SHOPLIFTERS – which moved him deeply – and about his Guilty Pleasure, GREASE 2. Is it better than the original? It’s certainly more feminist, which is what Brett likes about it.

Girls On Film | Episode 147 | 8 March 2023

Welcome to the climax of the Girls On Film Awards 2023! This third in a three-part episode was recorded at The Garden Cinema in London on 23 February 2023, with an intimate audience of nominees, film critics and industry supporters. Hosts Anna Smith and Hedda Archbold reveal the winners of the following categories:

Best Publicity Campaign
Diversity Badge of Honour
Feminist Superhero
Best Female Orgasm sponsored by Intimacy on Set

We hear from writer-director of She Will, Charlotte Colbert; previous winner and director of the BFI Film Fund, Mia Bays, intimacy co-ordinator Ita O’Brien, and writer Katy Brand. We also hear from women including broadcaster Rhianna Dhillon and nominees Ashanti Omkar, Emma Butt and Akua Gyamfi, who share their thoughts on diversity in the wake of the BAFTA Film Awards.

You can listen to the episode here.

Girls On Film | Episode 146 | 3 March 2023

The Girls On Film Awards are back for a second year, and you are warmly invited to join the audience! This second in a three-part episode was recorded at The Garden Cinema in London on 23 February 2023, with an intimate audience of nominees, film critics and industry supporters. Hosts Anna Smith and Hedda Archbold reveal the winners of the following categories:

Best Cinematographer – for which our media partner is British Cinematographer magazine
Best Ensemble Acting sponsored by Netflix
The Girls On Film Ally Award sponsored by IMDb
Best Feature Film sponsored by EON Productions

We hear from stars including Sheila Atim (The Woman King) and presenters including Afi Okaidja (Rocks), Kerry Fox, Tricia Tuttle and Col Needham.

You can listen to the episode here.

Col Neddham, Anna Smith and Hedda Archbold

Girls On Film | Episode 145 | 28 February 2023

The Girls On Film Awards are back for a second year, and you are warmly invited to join the audience! This first in a three-part episode was recorded at The Garden Cinema in London on 23 February 2023, with an intimate audience of nominees, film critics and industry supporters. Hosts Anna Smith and Hedda Archbold reveal the winners of the following categories:

Best Female Friendship on Screen
Best Documentary Feature
Best Production Design
Best Composer

We hear from stars including Sheila Atim on behalf of The Woman King, Kathryn Ferguson, Hildur Guðnadóttir, and Kave Quinn, and presenters including directors Philippa Lowthorpe and Waad Al-Kateab, film critic Wendy Mitchell, and composer Nainita Desai.

You can listen to the episode here.

Nainita Desai, Anna Smith & Hedda Archbold

Philippa Lowthorpe, Sheila Atim, Anna Smith & Hedda Archbold

Girls On Film | Episode 144 | 16 February 2023

This episode celebrates the achievements of two women who have had decades of experience in the industry, as well as one who is breaking new ground. BAFTA and Oscar-winning Costume designer Sandy Powell OBE, Prop Buyer Judy Ducker, and film critic and author Hanna Flint join Anna Smith to talk about their work in the film industry.

First, Sandy Powell OBE, who has worked on films including The Favourite, The Irishman, Carol and most recently Living, talks about her career, and what it means to receive the BAFTA Fellowship award, which will be presented to her at the BAFTA Awards on 19 February 2023, airing on BBC One and iPlayer from 7pm-9pm. She speaks about the pressure to make actresses look stereotypically ‘sexy’ and how she’s railed against this throughout her career.

Next, Anna welcomes Judy Ducker, who will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 12th British Film Designers Guild Production Design Award this Saturday 18 February 2023. Judy talks about her fascinating career working in the art department, giving a rare insight into production design, prop buying, and working with Emma Thompson and Colin Farrell.

Finally, film critic Hanna Flint joins Anna to talk about her new book, Strong Female Character, and why she decided to take an autobiographical approach to writing about film. Anna and Hanna also discuss whether the nomination for Florence Pugh for Don’t Worry Darling, which is up for an award in the Girls On Film Awards for Best Female Orgasm sponsored by Intimacy On Set, is contentious. A spoiler-filled debate ensues!

You can listen to the episode here.

Girls On Film | Episode 143 | 13 February 2023

Emmett Till’s cousin Deborah Watts speaks candidly about the BAFTA-nominated film Till, which is in cinemas and also available on digital download. Anna Smith also speaks to writer Ellen E Jones about this powerful film directed by Chinonye Chukwu. It tells the true story of Mamie Till-Bradley, whose 14-year-old son Emmett was brutally murdered in 1955. The film follows her fight for justice and features an incredible performance from Danielle Deadwyler, who has been nominated for Leading Actress at the BAFTAs. We are also happy that Till has been nominated at the Girls On Film Awards, for Best Feature sponsored by EON Productions.

You can listen to the episode here.

Girls On Film Awards 2023 – Winners Press Release

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THE GIRLS ON FILM PODCAST ANNOUNCES THE WINNERS OF THE GIRLS ON FILM AWARDS 2023:

THE WOMAN KING, AFTERSUN AND THE WONDER LEAD THE WAY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LONDON – 23 FEBRUARY 2023

The Woman King and Aftersun triumphed at the second annual Girls On Film Awards, rewarding exceptional women in cinema. Actor Sheila Atim attended the ceremony at London’s The Garden Cinema to accept two awards for The Woman King: for Best Ensemble Acting sponsored by Netflix, and Best Female Friendship On Screen. Director Gina Prince-Bythewood said of the award: “Thank you, Girls On Film, for this very cool honour. We are so, so proud of this film, not only because it shows how women have this innate warrior within them, but also shows the incredible power of sisterhood”.

The Woman King star Viola Davis was also awarded the Feminist Superhero award, given to a disruptor of inequality in the entertainment industry who has changed the landscape of the film industry. In the year that The Woman King was overlooked by the Academy Awards, Girls On FIlm is proud to have recognised this remarkable feature, as well as nominating another omission from the Oscar list: Chinonye Chukwu’s extraordinary Till.

Aftersun director Charlotte Wells followed her BAFTA win with the award for Best Feature Film Sponsored by EON Productions, while the Aftersun publicity team also won Best Publicity Campaign.

The Wonder featured in two winning categories: Best Cinematographer for Ari Wegner (also for her work on The Power of the Dog) as well as the The Girls On Film Ally Award sponsored by IMDb, for director Sebastián Lelio. Meantime exec producer Lucy Pullin picked up the award for Sinead O’Connor documentary Nothing Compares. Its director Kathryn Ferguson said, “We just want to say a humongous thank you for this award, we are very thrilled and honoured […] I want to thank Sinead O’Connor, she has been an inspiration to me since I was a young Irish girl”.

Girls On Film is committed to representation and activism, and the winner of the Diversity Badge of Honour was Akua Gyamfi, for her tireless longtime work with The British Blacklist and beyond. Commended for their work on representation were film and TV critic Ashanti Omkar and sound editor and activist Emma Butt. The climax of the night was the coveted Best Female Orgasm sponsored by Intimacy on Set. Emma Corrin, who is non-binary but plays a female character, was highly commended for their work in Lady Chatterley’s Lover. “We commend them for their exquisite work as an actor and also for their activism,” said hosts Anna Smith and Hedda Archbold of Corrin.

The overall winner of the Orgasm award was for the film Good Luck To You, Leo Grande, performed by Emma Thompson with co-star Daryl McCormack. Writer Katy Brand said of the win, “We talked a lot about Nancy’s orgasm in the redrafting of the film… [asking]… should she even have an orgasm? Should she have it with Leo?… And in the end, it seemed that she ought to have this orgasm as a moment of just purely private pleasure, just for her. And that felt really right. And so I’m really glad that you agree.”

The ceremony on 23 February 2023 was sponsored by EON Productions, IMDb, Intimacy on Set and Netflix. Sponsors in kind were The Garden Cinema and Head Gear Films sponsored the reception. Media partners were Deadline.com, Time Out, Scala Rado and British Cinematographer magazine. Guests included Kave Quinn, who won the new award for production designer for Catherine Called Birdy; composers Nainita Desai and Emilie Levienaise-Farrouch; directors Philippa Lowthorpe, Waad al-Kateab and Charlotte Colbert; and actors Kerry Fox and Afi Okaidja (Rocks).

The winners are:

Best Female Friendship On Screen:

The Woman King, Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood

Best Documentary Feature:

Nothing Compares, Directed by Kathryn Ferguson

Best Production Design:

Kave Quinn for Catherine Called Birdy

Best Composer:

Hildur Guðnadóttir for Women Talking and Tár

Best Cinematographer:

Ari Wegner ASC for The Wonder and The Power of the Dog

Ensemble Acting Sponsored by Netflix:

The Woman King, Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood

The Girls On Film Ally Award sponsored by IMDb:

Sebastián Lelio for The Wonder

Best Feature Film Sponsored by EON Productions:

Aftersun, Directed by Charlotte Wells

Best Publicity Campaign:

Aftersun, MUBI with Organic for Theatrical & Awards Publicity and DDA for Awards Publicity

Diversity Badge of Honour:

Akua Gyamfi – Founder, The British Blacklist

Feminist Superhero:

Viola Davis, Actress and activist

Best Female Orgasm sponsored by Intimacy on Set:

Good Luck To You, Leo Grande, Emma Thompson (with Daryl McCormack)

The ceremony will be podcast on Girls On Film soon after the event and can be found at podfollow.com/girls-on-film. Below are full details including citations.

1.Best Female Friendship On Screen – WINNER The Woman King, Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood.

(previous year’s winner: Booksmart)

Citation: The Woman King is a powerful film that shows a tangible connection between many female characters, and two women in particular, who have been through a great deal together in life and who support each other through unimaginable challenges with grace and humour. It is a rare historical film that shows female sensitivity, bonding and friendship, that feels ground-breaking and unprecedented in its depiction of strong, complex,

multi-generational Black women fighting for each other – physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Nominees:

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – directed by Ryan Coogler.

With Letitia Wright and Lupita Nyong’o as Shuri and Nakia

Girl Picture aka Girls Girls Girls (Tytöt tytöt tytöt) – directed by Alli Haapasalo.

*Commended

With Aamu Milonoff, Eleonoora Kauhanen, Linnea Leino as Mimmi, Rönkkö and Emma
She Said – directed by Maria Schrader.

With Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan as Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor

The Silent Twins – directed by Agnieszka Smoczynska.

With Letitia Wright and Tamara Lawrance as June and Jennifer Gibbons

The Swimmers – directed by Sally El Hosaini.

With Nathalie Issa as Yusra Mardini and Manal Issa as Sara Mardini

The Woman King – directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood.

With Viola Davis and Sheila Atim as Nanisca and Amenza

2.Best Documentary Feature – WINNER Nothing Compares, Directed by Kathryn Ferguson

(previous year’s winner: For Sama)

Citation: This year’s crop delivered an incredible selection of documentaries. Girls On Film adored all these films but there was one that clearly moved the voters especially deeply. Nothing Compares is an inspiring and moving feminist documentary about activism. The jury was impressed by filmmakers’ sensitive treatment of this untold story of a musical icon. It was edited with flair to create a poignant story relevant to today.

Nominees:

All The Beauty And The Bloodshed – directed by Laura Poitras
Fadia’s Tree – directed by Sarah Beddington
Fire of Love – directed by Sara Dosa
Last Flight Home – directed by Ondi Timoner
Nothing Compares – directed by Kathryn Ferguson

3.Best Production Design – WINNER Kave Quinn for Catherine Called Birdy

(new category)

Citation: For Catherine Called Birdy, Kave Quinn has built a world rich in detail and as spirited and colourful as the film’s protagonist. The vibrancy of the locations echoes the playful, anarchic spirit of the film as a whole, and you get a real sense of how life may have been in its period. The house expresses dimensions of the protagonist’s personality, and imagination, as they evolve throughout this entertaining and delightfully feminist film.

Nominees:

Katie Byron for Don’t Worry Darling
Ruth de Jong for Nope
Catherine Martin & Karen Murphy for Elvis
Florencia Martin for Babylon and Blonde
Kave Quinn for Catherine Called Birdy

4.Best Composer – WINNER Hildur Guðnadóttir for Women Talking and Tár

(previous year’s winner: Nainita Desai)

Citation: Hildur Guðnadóttir wrote not one but two scores this year, which could not be more different. In Tár, she proves herself a mistress of understated suspense, in Women Talking, her music develops complex issues of trauma, reconciliation with the past, and the freedom to move on to a brighter future. In both, she demonstrates the courage and versatility to deal with complex subjects and psychologically intense dramas. There is a lack of sentimentality and an intellectual heft to her work in film that marks her out.

Nominees:

Chanda Dancy for Devotion and I Wanna Dance With Somebody
Hildur Guðnadóttir for Women Talking and Tár
Emilie Levienaise-Farrouch for Living
Aska Matsumiya for After Yang
Amelia Warner for Mr Malcolm’s List

5.Best Cinematographer – WINNER Ari Wegner ASC for The Wonder and The Power of the Dog

(new category)

Citation: Our voters said that the work of Ari Wegner has gone from strength to strength. She is nominated for The Wonder and The Power of the Dog, in which she uses moody, intimate yet bold imagery. She can take the viewer effortlessly from a dark, draughty attic with a dying girl, to sweaty, opium-induced dreams of loss, to a brassy, frost-bitten Irish countryside, whilst retaining a unity within the film. She has an exquisite eye for tone and composition.

Nominees:

Autumn Durald Arkapaw ASC for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Hélène Louvart AFC for Nezouh and Mother and Son
Kate McCullough ISC for The Quiet Girl
Polly Morgan ASC BSC for The Woman King
Ari Wegner ASC for The Wonder and The Power of the Dog
Rina Yang BSC for Nanny
Mandy Walker AM ASC ACS for Elvis

6.Ensemble Acting Sponsored by Netflix – WINNER The Woman King

(previous year’s winner: Rocks)

Citation: The Woman King features an incredible central cast, some of whom have been guests on the Girls On Film podcast before. They were perfectly cast and worked tirelessly on this project to make it a hugely successful collaboration. The phenomenal cast don’t shy away from the action; instead, they embrace it, not only to show insurmountable strength but heart and empathy among their varied roles. The voters felt this was a beacon of what can be achieved with a majority of women behind the camera as well as in front of it, giving us a dazzling display of the strength and power of women who work together and support each other emotionally and in this case, physically.

Nominees:

Causeway – Jennifer Lawrence, Brian Tyree Henry, Linda Emond, Jayne Houdyshell
Gangubai Kathiawadi – Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, Shantanu Maheshwari, Vijay Raaz
She Said – Zoe Kazan, Carey Mulligan, Samantha Morton, Jennifer Ehle, Patricia Clarkson
Triangle of Sadness – Charlbi Dean Kriek, Harris Dickinson, Woody Harrelson, Dolly De Leon
The Woman King – Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, John Boyega
Women Talking – Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley, Rooney Mara, Ben Whishaw, Frances McDormand

7.The Girls On Film Ally Award sponsored by IMDb Awarded to a male screenwriter/director for a complex female screen character – WINNER Sebastián Lelio for The Wonder.

(previous year’s winner: Bo Burnham)

Citation: Sebastián Lelio is a writer/director who has proven over time to have a real commitment to the portrayal of complex female characters which evidence a deep understanding of the inner emotional lives of women. He also frequently works with talented female writers and has proven himself a true collaborator and ally of women in the industry, not least with the exceptional film The Wonder.

Nominees:

Colm Bairéad for The Quiet Girl
Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert for Everything Everywhere All At Once
Sebastián Lelio for The Wonder
Jordan Peele for Nope

8.Best Feature Film Sponsored by EON Productions – WINNER Aftersun, Directed by Charlotte Wells

(previous year’s winner: Booksmart)

Citation: Aftersun director Charlotte Wells announces herself as one of the most striking cinema voices of our times. She re-energises the word ‘evocative’ – this is cinema that magically allows each viewer to imprint their own experiences onto it. It is skilfully crafted, especially in its devastating final 15 minutes where the director alchemises all of the film’s images, sounds, and fractured moments into something utterly sublime and heartbreaking. It is an intimate masterpiece.

Nominees:

Aftersun – directed by Charlotte Wells
Ali & Ava – directed by Clio Barnard
Corsage – directed by Marie Kreutzer
Till – directed by Chinonye Chukwu
The Woman King – directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood
The Wonder – directed by Sebastián Lelio

9.Best Publicity Campaign – WINNER Aftersun, MUBI with Organic for Theatrical & Awards Publicity and DDA for Awards Publicity

(previous year’s winner: Misbehaviour)

Citation: The win for Aftersun in this category represents a real collaboration between different companies, to bring a very deserving debut film into the spotlight. Our voters also loved that the campaign reflected the personal nature of the film.

Nominees:

Aftersun – MUBI with Organic for Theatrical & Awards Publicity and DDA for Awards Publicity
Good Luck To You, Leo Grande – Lionsgate with WDW Entertainment
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery – Netflix with Organic Publicity
Till – Universal Pictures with Organic Publicity
Triangle of Sadness – Curzon, Lionsgate and Charles McDonald

10.Diversity Badge of Honour – WINNER Akua Gyamfi – Founder, The British Blacklist

(previous year’s joint winners: Michaela Coel and Ruth Madeley)

Citation: Akua Gyamfi has tirelessly worked industry-wide for many years. She has advocated for representation and opportunities for Black British Talent, giving so much of her time and energy for a passion project that has become an industry movement. Her commitment to the cause is inspiring and has shown real results, with much more to come.

Nominees:

Emma Butt – Sound Editor and activist

*Commended

Akua Gyamfi – Founder, The British Blacklist
Ashanti Omkar – Journalist

*Commended

Gina Prince-Bythewood, Director – The Woman King
Ben Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of the British Film Institute (BFI)
Agnieszka Smoczyńska – Director – The Silent Twins

11. Feminist Superhero – WINNER Viola Davis, Actress, producer and activist

(previous year’s winner: Mia Bays)

Citation: Viola Davis has a deep commitment to feminism. She expresses it in every role she chooses, in the films she chooses to produce, and in her powerful and rousing speeches on equal rights. The youngest and first Black American EGOT, she is one of the smartest women in the business. She’s always been a powerhouse but she has emerged as a real feminist superhero, whether delivering a toweringly physical performance or speaking out against endemic racism and colourism in the film industry. If you haven’t seen her rousing speech at the Women’s March in LA, seek it out now.

Nominees:

Viola Davis, Actress and activist
Ita O’Brien, Founder of Intimacy on Set

*Commended

Sarah Polley, Director, Women Talking
Emma Thompson, Actress and activist
Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor, journalists and authors

12. Best Female Orgasm sponsored by Intimacy on Set – WINNER Good Luck To You, Leo Grande, Emma Thompson (with Daryl McCormack)

(previous year’s winner: I’m Your Man)

Citation: ”The word ‘brave’ is overused when we talk about women showing sexuality on screen, especially older women”. So said one of the voters for Good Luck To You, Leo Grande. It is so rare to see scenes of female pleasure that are utterly about them. The intimate scenes were not played for laughs or titillation, but showed that the deep joy of sex can happen at any age. The writing allowed the actress to explore her nascent sexuality in her own unique way, which was a delight to watch, and Emma Thompson simply owned this performance, bringing tenderness and authenticity to it.

In Good Luck To You, Leo Grande, the orgasm is the fulfilment of the protagonist’s development that we follow throughout the film, and is the culmination of an internal emotional shift for her. The film also features a couple relationship that starts as a transactional one and deepens toward an equal partnership. It’s empowering and bracingly refreshing.

Nominees:

Don’t Worry Darling – Florence Pugh (with Harry Styles)
Girl Picture aka Girls Girls Girls (Tytöt tytöt tytöt) – Linnea Leino with Aamu Milonoff
Good Luck To You, Leo Grande – Emma Thompson (with Daryl McCormack)
Lady Chatterley’s Lover – Emma Corrin (with Jack O’Connell)

*Commended

Piggy aka Cerdita – Laura Galán with Laura Galán
The Wonder – Florence Pugh (with Tom Burke)

ABOUT THE GIRLS ON FILM AWARDS:

The Girls On Film Awards reward excellence in the field of feminism, inclusion and diversity, female representation and the female gaze. Girls On Film particularly want to celebrate the representation of diversity and of complex female characters on screen.

Girls On Film applaud and champion all female-led, female focused films but want to hand out their own awards to the films and individuals that they feel deserve particular plaudits. The eligibility period was for films released between 1 January 2022 – 1 March 2023. Nominees are selected by leading film critics and the winners are selected by Girls On Film.

Girls On Film would like to thank The Garden Cinema for their generous support of the Girls On Film Awards, and their principal partners Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer for their continued support.

ABOUT GIRLS ON FILM:

A fun, feminist film show, Girls On Film was launched by co-founders Hedda Archbold and Anna Smith to answer an urgent need to amplify female voices in film. Hosted by Anna Smith – film critic, broadcaster and former President of The Critics’ Circle – and exec produced by Hedda Archbold, it brings female film critics together with actors, filmmakers and activists to give a fresh perspective on gender in the movies.

The podcast has produced over 140 episodes, been nominated Best Live Podcast at the British Podcast Awards, been featured in Deadline, Time Out and The Guardian, and on Radio 4, Sky News, and BBC Breakfast. It was picked out as one of the top four film podcasts in the world by iNews.

Follow Girls On Film:

ABOUT OUR SPONSORS:

EON Productions is the British film production company best known for the James Bond film series, and female-focused films such as Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool and Till.

IMDb (www.imdb.com) is the world’s most popular and authoritative source for information on movies, TV shows and celebrities. Products and services to help fans decide what to watch and where to watch it include: the IMDb website for desktop and mobile devices; apps for iOS and Android; and X-Ray on Prime Video. IMDb also produces IMDb original video series and podcasts. For entertainment industry professionals, IMDb provides IMDbPro and Box Office Mojo. IMDb licences information from its vast and authoritative database to third-party businesses worldwide; learn more at developer.imdb.com. IMDb is an Amazon company. For more information, visit https://www.imdb.com/press and follow @IMDb.

Col Needham, Founder and CEO, IMDb said: “I am delighted to support the Girls On Film Awards in 2023. The Girls On Film podcast provides a brilliant platform for female filmmakers and female film critics. It’s fun, entertaining and well-informed, and the team’s commitment to representation, diversity and inclusion means they always bring a fresh and fascinating perspective to the films they discuss. IMDb celebrates diverse movies and TV shows, talent and filmmakers, and we are proud to support Girls On Film in their endeavour to champion great films made by, and about, women,”

Intimacy on Set provides services to TV, film, and live performance for the production and creation of scenes with intimacy, sexual content, and nudity. Founded in 2018 by the UK’s leading Intimacy Practitioner, Ita O’Brien. The company has continued to expand both nationally and internationally and now has fully accredited Intimacy Practitioners and a growing number of Intimacy Practitioners in training, under the Intimacy on Set umbrella, all over the world.

Everyone who joins Intimacy on Set, and who has undergone the Intimacy on Set accredited training programme, are world class practitioners who have demonstrated that they can navigate the both physical and emotional journey of the creation of intimate content. They can responsibly and safely deliver the intimate content as envisioned by the director, the storytelling, and each character. Intimacy on Set are leaders in the field, whose skills and rigorous training demonstrate best practice. Their goal is for their bespoke guidelines to be adopted by the industry worldwide advocating for safe, fair, and dignified work for everyone.

Intimacy on Set have worked on numerous high-profile productions across Theatre, TV and Film and has been widely covered in the national and international media as the leading spokesperson in this space, productions include:

Theatre: Live Performance: Manor (National) – the first time an IC was employed on a production there, The Crucible (National), Spring Awakening (Almeida), Theodora (Royal Opera Company) – the first time an IC was employed on a production there, The Rape of Lucretia (Britten Pears Arts/ Royal Opera Company), Like Water for Chocolate (Royal Ballet Company) and Ruination (Lost Dog/Royal Ballet Company).

TV: Normal People (BBC3/Hulu), I May Destroy You (BBC/HBO), It’s A Sin (Channel 4), Sex Education Seasons 1&2 (Netflix), Gangs of London (Sky Atlantic), The Great (Hulu), Brave New World (Peacock/Sky One), Conversations With Friends (BBC3), Dangerous Liaisons, (Starz) and The Serpent Queen (Starz).

Film: The Dig (Netflix), The Last Duel (Walt Disney Studios), Lady Chatterley’s Lover (Netflix), Empire of Light (Neal Street Productions) and Magic Mike’s Last Dance (Warner Brothers).

Ita O’Brien, founder and Intimacy Practitioner, said: “Intimacy on Set is delighted to be sponsoring this award for Girls On Film and stands behind their intention to increase the visibility of female focused screen narratives, and to celebrate all voices both in front of and behind the camera. It is wonderful both to be supported by Hedda and all at Girls On Film, as well as to be supporting and sponsoring Girls On Film with the Best Female Orgasm award. It is an honour to celebrate these incredible women bringing their talent to telling these human stories, and in particular the stories of our lives as women.”

Netflix is one of the world’s leading streaming entertainment services with 231 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries, feature films and mobile games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can play, pause and resume watching, as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, and can change their plans at any time.

ABOUT OUR IN-KIND SPONSORS:

The Garden Cinema, opened in March, screens repertory seasons and new releases from around the world. Being truly independent, we choose films that are worth seeing, films you’d be happy to see more than once. Films of all genres that are true to life, well made, that left us feeling better or wiser for having seen them. With two screens and a spacious bar area for discussions and events, we’re a destination for everyone interested in film.
Erifili Missiou, Film Programmer, The Garden Cinema, said: “The Garden Cinema is thrilled to host the Girl On Film Awards for the second year running! The podcast has been highlighting women directors for years and is an essential contributor towards a healthier industry ecosystem.”

ABOUT OUR RECEPTION SPONSORS:

Head Gear Films (headgearfilms.com) are one of the top leading financiers in the UK for independent film and TV. Since their inception in 2002, they have been led by their key principles – to be producer-friendly, quick, responsive, and bespoke. These principles have taken them from financing two films a year, to over forty a year.

Phil Hunt, founder of Head Gear Films, said: “I’m delighted to support what have rapidly become very prestigious awards, which put a spotlight on the much-needed voices of women, something we wholly support at Head Gear Films, as do our sister companies, Bankside Films, and Bohemia, which amplifies marginalised voices. Anna and the Girls On Film team are making a real difference to so many.”

ABOUT OUR MEDIA PARTNERS:

British Cinematographer magazine is a Europe-leading magazine dedicated to the art and craft of international cinematography. The flagship title, enjoyed by a global readership spanning 56 countries, is endorsed and distributed to leading industry partners including the British Society of Cinematographers. Each issue is packed with news and insight into the world of cinematography, from behind-the-scenes features from top film and TV productions to masterclasses from industry experts, and much more. It’s an essential read for anyone with an interest in filmmaking.

Zoe Mutter, editor, British Cinematographer magazine said: “As the Girls On Film podcast continues to go from strength to strength, British Cinematographer is delighted to join forces with the fantastic team on their awards event. Celebrating talent and championing diversity across the filmmaking community is our passion and we’re honoured to partner on the newly introduced Girls On Film cinematography category to continue shining a light on the incredible work this industry produces,”

Deadline Hollywood (Deadline.com) first began in March 2006 as Deadline Hollywood Daily. The site was purchased by PMC in 2009 and has since become an authoritative source for breaking news in the entertainment industry, regularly included on lists of top entertainment websites. Influential industry thought leaders and key decision-makers in the entertainment, financial and other business fields track Deadline.com for news breaks multiple times a day. Due to its avid audience, Deadline.com’s postings regularly receive more reader comments than all entertainment industry news sites combined.

Scala Radio is an entertainment radio station that breaks the mould of classical music in the UK. Presenters include Penny Smith, Angellica Bell, Mark Kermode, Mark Forrest and Simon Mayo. Alongside familiar masters such as Mozart, Beethoven and Bach, you can expect to hear contemporary works including film, TV and video game scores, showtunes from musicals and instrumental re-workings of pop and rock songs by the likes of Justin Timberlake, Led Zeppelin and Dua Lipa. You can listen to Scala Radio on Digital Radio across the UK, on smart speaker, on the Scala Radio app and at Scalaradio.co.uk

Jenny Nelson, Programme Manager, Scala Radio said: “Scala Radio is delighted to team up with the Girls On Film Awards 2023 to celebrate creative women in cinema. The Best Composer award is particularly close to our hearts as we’re committed to championing women composers across the station. The talented nominees have set a high bar in the world of film scoring and I don’t envy the judges picking the winner!”

Time Out Media’s multiple digital and physical channels span websites, mobile, social media, videos and Live Events. Across these channels, Time Out distributes its high-quality content – written and curated by a global team of local expert journalists – around the best food, drinks, culture, art, music, theatre, travel and entertainment in 333 cities and 59 countries. Since its launch in 1968, Time Out has become a global brand that advertisers and consumers love and trust.

Phil de Semlyen, Global Film Editor, Time Out said: “Girls On Film isn’t just a vital campaigning voice for female-led filmmaking, it’s a brilliant listen – a movie podcast with its fingers on the pulse, holding Hollywood to account on a weekly basis.”

————–

NOTES FOR EDITORS:

Girls On Film is an HLA production.

Executive producer: Hedda Archbold, https://hlaagency.co.uk/

Host: Anna Smith http://annasmithjourno.com/

Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer

About HLA Agency:

HLA Agency produces audio podcasts, videos, films and live events, and provides bespoke, sole agency to its clients. For more information visit https://hlaagency.co.uk/

Contact details:
Executive Producer at HLA Agency Hedda@HLAagency.co.uk, (+44) 07801 074181

ENDS.

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