Director Ridley Scott latest blockbuster follows the story of 1700s French military commander Napoleon – and the film is full of stars and Oscars buzz.
Reports say that Sir Ridley will be submitted for Best Director – at 85 years old, he’s yet to win the accolade – along with Joaquin Phoenix for Best Actor and Vanessa Kirby as Best Supporting Actress. She was nominated back in 2020 for Pieces Of A Woman – maybe this season is her time.
Here’s everything we know so far about the upcoming film.
What is Napoleon about?
As suggested in the title, it follows the story of one of history’s most infamous military commanders, but told partially through the eyes of his wife Josephine.
The film’s plot synopsis reads: “A look at the military commander’s origins and his swift, ruthless climb to emperor, viewed through the prism of his addictive and often volatile relationship with his wife and one true love, Josephine.”
That said, reports say that Phoenix’s performance as Napoleon was so powerful that director Ridley Scott rewrote the script to adjust for his talents. So it will be interesting to see how the dynamic between husband and wife translates to screen, as well as who ends up being the true protagonist – Kirby or Phoenix.
Who else is in the cast of Napoleon?
Joining leads Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby are Rupert Everett (My Best Friend’s Wedding) and Tahar Rahim (The Mauritanian), who are also being submitted for Oscar nomination consideration. Lupin actor Ludivine Sagnier and House of Gucci‘s Catherine Walker will also star.
Aidan Monaghan
What have the cast and crew said so far about Napoleon?
Vanessa opened up to IndieWire about the “forensic research” she brought to her role of Josephine, and the similarities between preparing for it and her role in The Crown. “It’s been really amazing to absorb,” she said.