Kate O'Flynn, Marion Bailey and Alice Bailey Johnson in Mike Leigh's 'Tender Loving Care' © Joseph Lynn / ©️ Thin Man Films Ltd Tender Loving Care, the great British auteur Mike Leigh’s latest and possibly final film — a dramedy about a variety of women who devote their lives to caring for others — is, like many of Leigh’s earlier works, a true ensemble piece. That has left many wondering how its individual cast members would be positioned this awards season. Now we know.
The Hollywood Reporter has learned that only one member of the cast, Marion Bailey, who plays Birdie, the matriarch of a family central to the plot, will be campaigned for best actress, while everyone else — including Widow’s Bay breakout Kate O’Flynn, who plays Birdie’s daughter Amy, and Bailey’s real-life daughter Alice Bailey Johnson, who plays Amy’s roommate and fellow social worker Rosie — will be pushed for best supporting actress.
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Alice Bailey Johnson and Kate O’Flynn in Tender Loving Care Courtesy of Joseph Lynn/Thin Man Films Ltd/Bleecker Street Bailey and O’Flynn have the most screen time, totaling almost exactly the same as each other. But, Bleecker Street and talent reps reasoned, Bailey is the veteran of the two, is first-billed in the film’s credits and has the film’s most emotional scenes, particularly one in the family kitchen. (Bailey is Leigh’s leading lady off screen, as well — the two have been in a relationship for several years.)
O’Flynn, meanwhile, is playing a character who is literally supporting Bailey’s character — Amy helps Birdie to navigate the decline of Geoff, Birdie’s husband and Amy’s father, played by theater veteran Paul Jesson, who will be promoted for best supporting actor.
O’Flynn, coming off the first season of Widow’s Bay and her recent Emmy win, is the film’s highest-profile star and probably its strongest bet to land a nom. Promoting her in the supporting actress race is also helpful for Bleecker Street, given that the small but scrappy distributor already has a strong best actress contender in the running for another film it’s handling, Carrie Coon for The Liberation.
Ultimately, the best argument for Tender Loving Care may be for a best ensemble Actor Award nomination, something Bleecker Street is making a concerted push for. Bailey, O’Flynn and Bailey Johnson are headed to New York to accompany Leigh at the film’s New York Film Festival screening on Monday. And while they are in the Big Apple, the trio of actresses will also attend a screening and Q&A targeting the Actor Awards nominating committee members.
Tender Loving Care will open in the U.S. on Dec. 4.
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