Screen queens
With seven nods apiece, the two films to receive the most nominations at this year’s Baftas have, notably, both been written and directed by women, part of what makes this year’s awards the most diverse in its 72-year history. To see more women – and more women of colour - telling their own stories and be acknowledged for it marks what is hopefully a sea-change, widening the playing field for even more great work.
To celebrate this landmark moment, we’ve curated a roundup of all the films made by women that have been stealing the show this awards season.
Rocks
With nominations that include Outstanding British Film, Outstanding Debut, Original Screenplay, Director, Leading Actress and Supporting Actress, Rocks is this year’s most nominated film (alongside Nomadland).
Co-written by award-winning playwright Theresa Ikoko and Claire Wilson, and directed by Sarah Gavron, this film won critics over as much for what happened behind the scenes as for in front of the camera, with a story crafted through workshops with young people and an organisation founded by the film team to support the futures of its young actresses. Available to watch on Netflix now.
Nomadland
Based on the book by Jessica Bruder, Nomadland was written, directed and produced by Chloé Zhao, who has already picked up Best Director and Best Motion Picture - Drama at the Golden Globes, as well as the top prize at the Venice Film Festival.
It stars Frances McDormand as a woman who travels across the American West as a modern-day nomad following work, and even stars real-life nomads in this exploration of a very different side of America.
Promising Young Woman
Emerald Fennell (who you will recognise as Camilla Parker-Bowles from The Crown) has been nominated for Best Original Screenplay at next month’s BAFTAs, which joins nominations for Best Film and Outstanding British Film.
It tells the story of Cassie (played by Carey Mulligan) who sets out to avenge her friend’s sexual assault. As cinemas aren’t scheduled to reopen until late spring, we’re crossing everything that this bold movie comes to a streaming service near us soon.
Clemency
This is only the second feature-length film from writer and director Chinonye Chukwu, but it has been met with outstanding reviews, even taking home the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance.
Alfre Woodard has been nominated for the Leading Actress Bafta for her performance as Bernadine, a prison warden trying to cope with the psychological impact of a career overseeing executions. Available to watch now on Amazon Prime.
One Night in Miami…
First time’s a charm for Regina King. This film marks her feature film directorial debut, a fictionalised account of a night when Cassius Clay (before he changed his name to Muhammad Ali), Malcolm X, Sam Cooke and Jim Brown gathered to discuss the Civil Rights Movement and their roles in it.
Leslie Odom, Jr - who won a Tony for his role in the original Broadway cast of Hamilton - plays Sam Cooke and is nominated for Supporting Actor. Available now to watch now on Amazon Prime.
Babyteeth
Based on the play of the same name, this is director Shannon Murphy’s first feature film and she’s gone straight on to pick up a Best Director nomination.
It tells the story of Milla, a terminally ill teen who falls in love with Moses, a small-time drug dealer. Laughter and tears ensue. Available to watch on Netflix now.