Emerald Fennell started off the 93rd Annual Academy Awards on Sunday night by winning the best original screenplay for her Carey Mulligan-starrer Promising Young Woman Oscar Nominations.
Fennell won her first Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, making her the first woman to do it in 13 years. In 2007, Diablo Cody received the writing prize for Juno, a romantic comedy starring Michael Cera and Elliot Page.
Fennell regretted not preparing a speech when she received the award from Regina King, the director of One Night In Miami, before rereading one she wrote when she was ten years old.
“That speech is not that useful but all I can say is this film was made by the most incredible people in the world who made it in 23 days and brought their complete genius and love and humor to it,” she said.
Fennell, who produced her directorial debut with the Mulligan-starring picture, hailed her leading woman, her family, and, in particular, her newborn baby, for their support and patience during the production process. She stated that she gave birth to her son after the film was completed.
“Thank god because I was crossing my legs all the way through,” she added.
Cassie, played by Mulligan, is a young college dropout whose life has been wrecked by a strange incident that claimed her closest friend, Nina’s life. Cassie’s unique method of avenging herself leads her to pubs and clubs, where she pretends as an inebriated drunk and then turns the tables on the aggressive males who try to use her. In addition to Bo Burnham, Alison Brie, Connie Britton, Adam Brody, Jennifer Coolidge, Laverne Cox, Max Greenfield, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Sam Richardson, and Molly Shannon, the film featured Bo Burnham, Alison Brie, Connie Britton, Adam Brody, Jennifer Coolidge, Laverne Cox, Max Greenfield, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Sam Richardson, and Molly Shannon.
Trial of the Chicago 7, Sound of Metal, Minari, and Judas and the Black Messiah were all nominated for best original script, but Fennell’s picture won.
Fennell won the best original screenplay and exceptional British Film of the Year at the 2021 BAFTAs before Sunday night. A total of five awards were up for grabs for Promising Young Woman, including best picture, best lead actress, and best editing.
Backstage, Fennell discussed the future of British cinema and her delight in being a member of the UK filmmaking industry. She also expressed her desire to see more “glossy and feminine” movies in the future, such as Promising Young Woman, that deal with “tough and dark subject matter.”
On Sunday, ABC broadcasted the 93rd Academy Awards. Fennell’s complete acceptance speech is available here, as well as a behind-the-scenes video.
