The King’s Speech chronicles the relationship between Britain’s reluctant World War II-era monarch, King George VI (Colin Firth), and his bold yet benevolent speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush).
Helena Bonham Carter brings brilliance to the role of Queen Elizabeth, and gives the film soft juxtaposition. As royalty, she is all pomp, but also grounded enough to help her husband find his voice.
Not only has the fact-based historical drama put stuttering – a speech disorder that affects 65 million people worldwide, and 3 million people in the United States – and the benefits of therapy squarely in the spotlight, but it has also managed to grab the attention of the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The King’s Speech has received 12 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Director.
The cast took the Screen Actors Guild’s top honor on Jan. 30, winning the movie ensemble acting award. Director, Tom Hooper, took the top Directors Guild of America award, and the movie also won the the Producers Guild title.
I was thrilled to be able to capture cast reactions to the Oscar nominations.
Colin, ‘The King’s Speech’ went from Oscar underdog to SAG sweetie in a matter of two weeks. How do you feel?
Currently celebrating with my colleagues three feet above the ground. Not used to this much joy, or this much champagne at this hour.
I can imagine! Geoffrey, your take on the nominations?
As an Australian, I’m as excited to be recognized and honored by the Academy as my character must have been when his London speech therapy business flourished when the future King Of England happened to pop by one day.
This story has struck such a rich resonant chord with audiences of all ages, which is very exciting. To have your work honored by your industry peers is even better.
The film is truly amazing. Helena, how are you taking the news?
Of course I am thrilled to receive an Oscar nomination. As my three-year-old old daughter said, ‘Yay!’
I couldn’t put it any better myself.
Tom, it must be an amazing feeling to reap the rewards of hard cinematographic work!
I am absolutely overwhelmed by the Oscar nominations. I am so grateful to the Academy. I am incredibly proud of my extraordinary cast and crew. This is a day I will remember for the rest of my life.”
Alexandre, the musical score you composed was haunting and beautiful.
Thank you.
It is a great honor to have my work noticed again by the Academy and I am very grateful. Writing the music for ‘The King’s Speech’ has been a delight and I thank our brilliant director, Tom Hooper, for offering us and the audience such an inspiring and beautiful film. I also wish to congratulate all the other talents nominated for our movie.
