The 62nd BFI London Film Festival’s America Express Gala has been revealed and will host the UK premiere of The Favourite directed by Academy Award nominee Yorgos Lanthimos’ (The Killing of a Sacred Deer, The Lobster).
Set in 18th Century England as Britain wars with the French, a frail Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) occupies the throne and her close friend Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz) governs the country in her stead while tending to Anne’s ill health and mercurial temper. When a new servant Abigail (Emma Stone) arrives, her charm endears her to both Sarah and the Queen, and Abigail sees a chance at a return to her aristocratic roots.
Tricia Tuttle, BFI London Film Festival Artistic Director said: “This is wickedly funny filmmaking from Yorgos Lanthimos who is operating at virtuoso frequency.
“The Favourite is a delight from start to finish, powered by a trio of riotous performances from Olivia Colman, Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz who are all clearly revelling in the wit and rhythm of the script. The perfect Gala for our principal partner American Express.”
Last year’s American Express Gala also starred Emma Stone as Billie Jean King biopic Battle of the Sexes received its European premiere at the Festival.
Cinema-goers outside of the capital will have to wait until next year to see The Favourite, which will go on general release in cinemas across the UK and Ireland on 1st January 2019.
The 62nd BFI London Film Festival in partnership with American Express takes place from Wednesday 10 October-Sunday 21 October 2018. The full Festival programme will be announced on Thursday 30 August 2018.