June Squibb sparks Oscar buzz for ‘Eleanor the Great': Everything to know about Scarlett Johansson's directorial debut as trailer debuts

Yahoo

2 days ago

For the second year in a row, June Squibb is generating Oscar buzz.
The 95-year-old actress, who received critical acclaim for her first leading role in the 2024 comedy Thelma, is once again in awards contention with Eleanor the Great. Helmed by Scarlett Johansson in her feature directorial debut, the film premiered to mixed reviews at the 2025 Venice Film Festival — but all were glowing for Squibb. Watch the trailer below and keep reading for everything you need to know.
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What's it about?
Written by Tory Kamen, Eleanor the Great focuses on the titular Eleanor (Squibb), who moves to New York from Florida after the death of her best friend and roommate, Bessie, a Holocaust survivor. The story takes a turn when Eleanor finds herself sitting in a Holocaust survivors' support group and proceeds to share Bessie's story as her own. Complications ensue.
When does it come out?
Sony Pictures Classics will release Eleanor the Great on Sept. 26.
Who's in the cast?
Joining Squibb onscreen is an impressive ensemble that includes Oscar nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor as Roger, a local news anchor; Jessica Hecht as Eleanor's daughter, Lisa; Erin Kellyman as Nina, an aspiring journalist; and Rita Zohar as Bessie, Eleanor's lifelong best friend.
Who's behind the scenes?
Collaborating with Johansson behind the camera are cinematographer Hélène Louvart, editor Harry Jierjian, and composer Dustin O'Halloran, an Oscar nominee in 2017 for his score for Lion. Producers for the film include Johansson, Jessamine Burgum, Charlotte Dauphin, Kara Durrett, Keenan Flynn, Jonathan Lia, Celine Rattray, and Trudie Styler.
Awards potential
There's already early buzz surrounding Squibb, who kicked off her awards campaign by presenting alongside Johansson at the 2025 Oscars. Following the film's premiere in Cannes back in May, the veteran actress earned a standing ovation for her performance, which critics described as "a pure joy from start to finish," and "the finest performance of her career."
Squibb currently sits in 11th place in Gold Derby's early Oscar odds for Best Actress at the 2026 Academy Awards. While she may be seen as an underdog for the Oscar, her chances could improve at the Golden Globes, where six nominees are recognized in both the drama and comedy/musical categories. However, any recognition for the film beyond Squibb's performance is considered an outside shot at this stage.
If nominated for an Oscar, it would mark Squibb's second Academy Award nod. Her first came in 2014 when she earned a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her standout role in Nebraska.
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