Judi Dench’s ‘Philomena’ Set for Limited Release on Nov. 22

Weinstein puts the British drama in Oscar race, sets “One Chance” for Dec. 27 and shifts “Grace of Monaco” to March 2014

The Weinstein Company on Monday set Nov. 22 for the limited release of director Stephen Frears‘ awards hopeful “Philomena,” starring Judi Dench.

TWC also set the opening of its comedy “One Chance,” which tells the tale of “Britain’s Got Talent” winner Paul Potts, for Dec. 27, and said it will open “Grace of Monaco,” the Grace Kelly biopic starring Nicole Kidman, on March 14 of next year. It had been set for a November release.

Dench is considered a potential Best Actress contender for her role in the film, in which Steve Coogan co-stars. He plays a journalist who picks up the story of a woman’s (Dench) search for her son, who was taken away from her decades ago after she became pregnant and was forced to live in a convent.

Also read: Nicole Kidman’s ‘Grace of Monaco’ Won’t Get Oscar-Qualifying Run

“Philomena” will debut in New York and Los Angeles, and then expand to more than 500 theaters the following week.

The adult British drama will be a counter-programming play, opening on the same day as “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” and the Vince Vaughn comedy ‘Delivery Man” and expanding two days after four Thanksgiving openers land: Fox Searchlight’s musical “Black Nativity,” Open Road’s action film “Homefront,” Disney’s animated “Frozen” and the Spike Lee thriller “Old Boy.”

TWC will also open “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” on Nov. 29, the same day that “Philomena” expands.

Comments