"The Favourite" is a 2018 historical black comedy film set in early 18th century Great Britain. The story revolves around the power struggle between cousins Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, and Abigail Hill, as they compete for the affections and influence over Queen Anne. The film explores themes of ambition, manipulation, and the complexities of female relationships within the backdrop of court politics.
1969: Elton John's "Skyline Pigeon" Featured in The Favourite
"Skyline Pigeon," a song from Elton John's debut album "Empty Sky" (1969), is featured in the closing credits of "The Favourite."
1992: Sandy Powell's Designs for Orlando Influence The Favourite
Although unintentional, Sandy Powell found that her costume designs for Tilda Swinton's character in the 1992 film "Orlando" subconsciously influenced her work on "The Favourite," particularly the contrast between Sarah's feminine gowns and masculine recreational attire.
1998: Deborah Davis Pens First Draft of The Favourite
In 1998, Deborah Davis wrote the first draft of "The Favourite", then titled "The Balance of Power", despite having no prior screenwriting experience.
2009: Yorgos Lanthimos's Dogtooth Receives Oscar Nomination
Yorgos Lanthimos's film "Dogtooth" was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2009.
2009: Release of "Dogtooth"
Yorgos Lanthimos, the director of "The Favourite," released his film "Dogtooth" in 2009.
2013: The Favourite Attracts Financing Offers
By 2013, the producers of "The Favourite" began receiving financing offers from various companies, including Film4 Productions and Waypoint Entertainment.
2014: Olivia Colman Approached for The Favourite
Yorgos Lanthimos contacted Olivia Colman regarding casting for "The Favourite" in 2014.
September 2015: Emma Stone and Olivia Colman Join The Favourite Cast
In September 2015, Emma Stone and Olivia Colman were announced as cast members for "The Favourite".
September 2015: Yorgos Lanthimos to Direct The Favourite
It was announced in September 2015 that Yorgos Lanthimos would direct "The Favourite," from a screenplay by Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara.
October 2015: Rachel Weisz Replaces Kate Winslet in The Favourite
Rachel Weisz replaced Kate Winslet in the cast of "The Favourite" in October 2015.
2015: Release of "The Lobster"
"The Lobster," another film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, premiered in 2015.
2016: The Favourite's Filming Postponed
Originally scheduled to begin in the spring of 2016, filming for "The Favourite" was delayed by a year. During this time, Yorgos Lanthimos directed "The Killing of a Sacred Deer."
February 2017: Nicholas Hoult Joins The Favourite Cast
Nicholas Hoult joined the cast of "The Favourite" in February 2017.
March 2017: Joe Alwyn Joins The Favourite Cast
Joe Alwyn joined the cast of "The Favourite" in March 2017.
March 2017: Filming for The Favourite Begins at Hatfield House
Principal photography for "The Favourite" commenced in March 2017 at Hatfield House in Hertfordshire.
May 2017: Filming Wraps for The Favourite
In May 2017, principal photography for "The Favourite" concluded, marking the end of filming.
May 2017: Fox Searchlight Pictures Acquires Distribution Rights for The Favourite
Fox Searchlight Pictures secured the distribution rights for "The Favourite" in May 2017.
2017: Release of "The Killing of a Sacred Deer"
Yorgos Lanthimos directed the film "The Killing of a Sacred Deer," which was released in 2017.
August 2018: The Favourite Premieres at Venice Film Festival
"The Favourite" had its world premiere at the 75th Venice International Film Festival on August 30, 2018.
August 2018: The Favourite Premieres at Venice Film Festival
"The Favourite" had its world premiere at the 75th Venice International Film Festival on August 30, 2018.
August 2018: Additional Cast Members for The Favourite Announced
Mark Gatiss, James Smith, and Jenny Rainsford were announced as cast members for "The Favourite" on August 8, 2018.
November 2018: Limited Release of The Favourite in the US
"The Favourite" saw a limited theatrical release in the United States on November 23, 2018.
November 2018: The Favourite Sees North American Release
On November 23, 2018, "The Favourite" was released theatrically in North America by Fox Searchlight Pictures.
2018: The Favourite Achieves Box Office Success
"The Favourite" achieved box office success, grossing over $96 million worldwide in 2018 against a $15 million budget. It also achieved the best per-venue average of the year during its opening weekend.
2018: The Favourite Garners Critical Acclaim and Awards Buzz
"The Favourite" received widespread critical acclaim upon its release in 2018, particularly for its direction, screenplay, and the performances of its lead cast. It earned numerous award nominations and wins.
2018: The Favourite Release
"The Favourite", a period black comedy film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, was released in 2018.
2018: Yorgos Lanthimos Discusses The Favourite's Lesbian Love Triangle
In 2018, Yorgos Lanthimos commented on the lesbian-centric love triangle depicted in "The Favourite".
2018: "The Favourite" Receives Critical Acclaim and Awards Recognition
Throughout 2018, "The Favourite" garnered numerous awards and nominations, including accolades at the Venice International Film Festival, British Independent Film Awards, BAFTA Awards, European Film Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and Academy Awards. The film was also recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the top 10 films of 2018.
January 2019: The Favourite Releases in the UK and Ireland
"The Favourite" was released in the United Kingdom and Ireland on January 1, 2019.
January 2019: UK and Ireland Release of The Favourite
"The Favourite" was released in the United Kingdom and Ireland on January 1, 2019.
February 2019: Digital Release of The Favourite
"The Favourite" was released on Digital HD on February 12, 2019.
2023: "The Favourite" is recognized on lists of the best films of the 21st Century
In 2023, "The Favourite" was featured on prominent lists of the best films of the 21st century, including The Hollywood Reporter's list of "The 50 Best Movies of the 21st Century So Far."