Marianne Jean-Baptiste stars in one of the strongest films of the year,Hard Truths, and it could be an Oscar contender despite being ignored by the Golden Globes.Hard Truthsis a film playing in theaters now, earning a wider release in cinemas throughout the US and the UK due to its exceptional reviews, including a 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes, withScreen Rant’s reviewpraising Jean-Baptiste for her Oscar-worthy performance.
Hard Truthsis directed by renowned filmmaker Mike Leigh, who’s best known for critically acclaimed masterpieces likeNakedandSecret & Lies, the latter of which also features Marianne Jean-Baptiste. The movie isabout a woman, Pansy, experiencing depression due to years of bottled-up feelingsabout grief and pent-up frustration with her family life. Despite this, her relationship with her younger sister continues to be a source of comfort and profound beauty, as the sister’s more positive outlook on life provides Pansy with some needed perspective.
Marianne Jean-Baptiste Deserves Oscar Attention For Hard Truths
Marianne Jean-Baptiste Gives One Of 2024’s Most Sophisticated Performances
Hard Truthsis a hard-hitting, emotional filmthat’s going to take its viewers on a roller coaster of emotions. It won’t be a movie that’s suited to everyone, and that’s okay. It’s unlikely, with strong contenders likeThe BrutalistandAnorain the pool, for a smaller and more subtle film likeHard Truthsto be recognized for Best Picture. However, that shouldn’t stop Marianne Jean-Baptiste from receiving a well-earned Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, given her exceptional performance.
She’s the highlight of this film, and she demonstrates a deeply human character who can evoke a range of complex emotions from the viewer.
Marianne Jean-Baptiste has been working on films and television shows since 1991, with her only Academy Award nomination being forSecrets & Liesin 1997. Though she’s had decades of strong work,many of her performances have gone unnoticed by the Oscars.Hard Truthsstands out as potentially her most nuanced, with a powerful mix of dramatic outburst scenes and precise moments of quiet emotion. She’s the highlight of this film, and she demonstrates a deeply human character who can evoke a range of complex emotions from the viewer.
Hard Truths Ending Explained
Mike Leigh’s Hard Truths is one of the most critically acclaimed films of 2024. Here’s our breakdown of its complex ending and thematic material.
How Hard Truths Could Still Receive Oscar Nominations After Being Ignored By The Golden Globes
Hard Truths Is Beginning To Find Traction
Hard Truthsdidn’t receive any nominations at the 2025 Golden Globes, even though it could have arguably been included in the comedy category for a better chance. It’s not too late for Marianne Jean-Baptiste’s outstanding performance to receive due respect at the Academy Awards, and it’s possible now withHard Truthsreaching a broader scope of viewership. Bleecker Street Media LLC has begun distributing it to theaters in the US, and Jean-Baptiste recently earned a nomination at the Critics' Choice Awards, which could help her standing for the Oscars.
Hard Truths
Hard Truths, released in 2025, is set in post-COVID London and follows Pansy, a working-class Black woman dealing with the aftermath of global panic, navigating a fractured psyche amid ongoing personal and societal challenges.
