Deadline’s Contenders Film London: Lineup, Schedule, and More
The much-anticipated Contenders Film event in London marks the beginning of the movie awards season with engaging panel discussions featuring some of this year’s most talked-about films. For die-hard fans of cinema, this unique Deadline event promises exclusive sneak peeks and panels featuring high-profile creative talents. The gathering takes place at the Ham Yard Hotel, with doors opening at 8:30 a.m. BST and the first discussions set to kick off at 9:30 a.m.
A total of seven films are slated for this in-person-only occasion, showcasing an impressive lineup. Attendees can expect to see stars like Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldaña at the event, along with breakout actress Karla Sofía Gascón, Adriana Paz, and acclaimed writer-director Jacques Audiard. The film Emilia Pérez is proudly representing France in the Oscar International Feature Film category. Notably, all four actresses previously shared the Best Actress award during this year’s Cannes.
Denis Villeneuve will also be part of the lineup, taking the stage with producers Mary Parent and Tanya Lapointe to discuss the epic sequel Dune: Part Two. Expect insights about their creative process while bringing this monumental story back to life.
Malcolm Washington’s The Piano Lesson, a poignant exploration of familial connections, will also be featured. Joining him will be his brother John David Washington, along with Danielle Deadwyler and two-time Oscar-winning composer Alexandre Desplat, discussing the film’s themes of generational ties.
On a different note, Mike Leigh will delve into Hard Truths, joined by lead actress Marianne Jean-Baptiste, as they explore complex family dynamics.
Fans of beloved British characters can look forward to Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. Director Nick Park will be joined by co-director Merlin Crossingham and executive producer Carla Shelley to talk about this latest adventure featuring the animated duo, which has entertained audiences for generations.
The Wild Robot, directed by Chris Sanders, tells the heartwarming tale of a robot lost in the wilderness, voiced by Lupita Nyong’o. The panel for this film will also feature Sanders and composer Kris Bowers, further enhancing the experience.
Lastly, RaMell Ross will discuss Nickel Boys, a film rooted in a harrowing true story, alongside stars Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson, bringing a poignant narrative to the forefront.
Follow today’s panels on Deadline.com and via social media with #DeadlineContenders. The event’s streaming site, featuring full panel videos, will be launched next week.
Here’s the tentative schedule for today’s panels (all times BST):
BLEECKER STREET / STUDIO CANAL
Hard Truths
Mike Leigh (Writer/Director)
Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Actor)
Michele Austin (Actor)
WARNER BROS PICTURES and LEGENDARY PICTURES
Dune: Part Two
Denis Villeneuve (Co-Writer/Director/Producer)
Mary Parent (Producer)
Tanya Lapointe (Producer)
ORION PICTURES and AMAZON MGM STUDIOS
Nickel Boys
RaMell Ross (Co-Writer/Director)
Ethan Herisse (Actor)
Brandon Wilson (Actor)
NETFLIX
Emilia Pérez
Jacques Audiard (Writer/Director)
Karla Sofía Gascón (Actor)
Zoe Saldaña (Actor)
Adriana Paz (Actor)
Selena Gomez (Actor)
NETFLIX/BBC
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
Nick Park (Director)
Merlin Crossingham (Director)
Carla Shelley (Executive Producer)
NETFLIX
The Piano Lesson
Malcolm Washington (Co-Writer/Director)
John David Washington (Actor)
Danielle Deadwyler (Actor)
Alexandre Desplat (Composer)
DREAMWORKS ANIMATION
The Wild Robot
Chris Sanders (Writer/Director)
Kris Bowers (Composer)
Lupita Nyong’o (Actor)
Stay tuned for more updates as the day unfolds.