ALBERT NOBBS Nabs Independent Spirit Award Nomination
The Irish co-production ALBERT NOBBS which filmed in Dublin earlier this year has received a prestigious Independent Spirit Award nomination in the US. Actress Janet McTeer (Into The Storm, Tumbleweeds) has been nominated in the Best Supporting Female category for her role as Hubert in the film, alongside Jessica Chastain (Take Shelter), Anjelica Huston (50/50), Harmony Santana (Gun Hill Road) and Shailene Woodley (The Descendants).
ALBERT NOBBS directed by Rodrigo Garcia stars five-time Oscar nominee Glenn Close as a woman passing as a man in order to work and survive in 19th century Dublin. The film which shot on location around Dublin city centre earlier this year boasts an all-star line-up alongside Close and McTeer including Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland, Jane Eyre), Aaron Johnson (Kick-Ass, Nowhere Boy), Pauline Collins (You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger, Shirley Valentine) as well as Irish actors Brenda Fricker (My Left Foot), Jonathan Rhys Meyers (Tudors) and Brendan Gleeson (The Guard).
When the film premiered earlier this year at the Telluride and Toronto film festivals it received critical acclaim. Hollywood News said that it was "a wonderful film of self-discovery, of finding love and loving oneself" which had "beautiful, quiet grace, cradled by Close in what amounts to a spectacular performance". The Guardian gave the film a four star review saying it is "a gripping ensemble piece".
ALBERT NOBBS marks Close's first screenplay credit, as well as her feature film producing debut. The film was produced by Alan Moloney for Parallel Films in Ireland along with Glenn Close, Bonnie Curtis and Julie Lynn for Trillium Productions and Mockingbird Pictures with support from WestEnd Films, Chrysalis Films and the Irish Film Board. The US rights to the film were acquired by Liddell Entertainment and Roadside Attractions during the year and a US release is likely soon.
Over the past 25 years, Film Independent's Spirit Awards has grown into a vanguard event bringing together the entire film community to celebrate artist-driven filmmaking and the best of independent film. The awards will take place in February in Los Angeles.