Actress Kristen Stewart has responded to her first Academy Award nomination for her powerful, transformative performance as Princess Diana in the psychological drama Spencer. In a statement released courtesy of ET, Stewart said that she was "speechless" and "humbled" by the nomination she has received for Best Actress at the 94th Academy Awards.
"WOW I wish Pablo and I were in the same country today," Stewart said in a statement. "I wish I could see his face. I am speechless and humbled this morning. I am bowled over by this. I never thought in a thousand years I'd be in the company of these four incredible women," Stewart added. "I would pay to make movies. I would make them if it was illegal. This is dream state, to share on this level."
Stewart concluded, "I am so touched and I am so grateful for the work that was generated on this film. I'm so proud to be a part of our film community. I am SO happy. It is a good day."
Stewart will be up against the best of the best for the Best Actress Oscar, with the likes of Jessica Chastain nominated for The Eyes of Tammy Faye, Olivia Colman for The Lost Daughter, Penelope Cruz for Parallel Mothers, and Nicole Kidman for her performance as Lucille Ball in Being the Ricardos. Alongside the Academy Award, Stewart's performance in Spencer has been nominated for a Golden Globe Award and a Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Actress. However, she was snubbed for a BAFTA.
Spencer is Inspired by Princess Diana's Decision to End Her Marriage to Prince Charles
Rather than a straightforward biopic of Diana, Princess of Wales (who was born Diana Frances Spencer), Spencer instead focuses on a specific time in her life. Described as "a critical weekend in the early '90s when Diana decided her marriage to Prince Charles wasn't working," Spencer takes place over three days in one of her final Christmas holidays in the House of Windsor in their Sandringham estate, Spencer sees Diana veer from a path that put her in line to one day be queen.
Transporting audiences to December 1991, The Prince and Princess of Wales' marriage has long since grown cold. Though rumors of affairs and a divorce abound, peace is ordained for the Christmas festivities at Sandringham Estate. There's eating and drinking, shooting and hunting. Diana knows the game. This year, things will be a lot different.
Directed by Pablo Larraín and written by Steven Knight, Spencer stars Kristen Stewart as Diana, Princess of Wales; Timothy Spall as Equerry Major Alistair Gregory; Jack Nielen as Prince William; Freddie Spry as Prince Harry; Jack Farthing as Charles, Prince of Wales; Sean Harris as Royal Head Chef Darren McGrady; Sally Hawkins as Royal Dresser Maggie; and Stella Gonet as Queen Elizabeth II.
Spencer premiered at the 78th Venice International Film Festival on 3 September 2021, and was theatrically released on 5 November 2021. Who do you hope to see walk away with the Best Actress Oscar at the 94th Academy Awards?