Yorgos Lanthimos’ The Favourite (2018) is set in the early eighteenth century. England is at war with France, but duck racing and pineapple eating are thriving nevertheless. A frail Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) occupies the throne. Her close friend Lady Sarah Churchill (Rachel Weisz) governs the country in her stead while tending to Anne’s ill health and mercurial temper. When Abigail Masham (Emma Stone) is hired as a new servant, her charm endears her to Sarah. Sarah takes Abigail under her wing and Abigail sees a chance at a return to her aristocratic roots. As the politics of war consume Sarah’s attention, Abigail steps into the breach to act as the Queen’s companion. Their burgeoning friendship gives Abigail a chance to fulfill her ambitions, and she will let no woman, man, or rabbit stand in her way.
Script to Screen is proud to present The Favourite, which is nominated for 10 Academy Awards®, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, and Best Original Screenplay. Academy Award®-nominated screenwriter Tony McNamara will join Pollock Theater Director Matt Ryan for a post-screening discussion.