The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (film)

Last updated
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (film).jpg
Based on The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
by Rebecca Skloot
Screenplay by Peter Landesman
Alexander Woo
George C. Wolfe
Directed byGeorge C. Wolfe
Starring Oprah Winfrey
Rose Byrne
Renée Elise Goldsberry
Courtney B. Vance
Reg E. Cathey
Ruben Santiago-Hudson
Leslie Uggams
Composer Branford Marsalis
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
Executive producers Alan Ball
Carla Gardini
Peter Macdissi
Lydia Dean Pilcher
Oprah Winfrey
ProducerKathryn Dean
Cinematography Sofian El Fani
EditorAaron Yanes
Running time1 hour and 32 minutes
Production companiesYour Face Goes Here Entertainment
Harpo Films
Cine Mosaic
Original release
NetworkHBO
ReleaseApril 22, 2017 (2017-04-22)

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is a drama television film directed by George C. Wolfe and starring Oprah Winfrey and Rose Byrne. It is based on the book of the same name by Rebecca Skloot and documents the story of Henrietta Lacks, who was diagnosed with cervical cancer in the 1950s, and whose cancer cells (later known as HeLa) would change the course of cancer treatment. The film premiered on HBO on April 22, 2017. [1]

Contents

Cast

Production

The film was announced on May 2, 2016, with Alan Ball and Oprah Winfrey as executive producers. George C. Wolfe would direct the film, with Winfrey taking the role of Lacks' daughter Deborah. [2] In July, Rose Byrne was cast as Rebecca Skloot, the author of the book about Henrietta, who befriends Deborah while reporting on her mother's life, [3] and Renée Elise Goldsberry was cast as the titular Henrietta Lacks. [4] The core supporting cast was rounded out in August 2016, with Courtney B. Vance, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Reg E. Cathey and Leslie Uggams amongst them. [5] After several weeks of shooting in Atlanta, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks began filming in Baltimore in September 2016. [6] [7] Two of Henrietta Lacks's sons, Zakariyya and Sonny, were consultants on the film. [8]

Reception

Critical reception

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks received mixed to positive reviews from critics, with Winfrey's performance gaining high praise. The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes gave the film an approval rating of 69%, based on 35 reviews, with an average rating of 6.5/10. [9] On Metacritic the film has a score of 64 out of 100, based on 22 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews". [10]

Accolades

YearAwardCategoryNominee(s)ResultRef.
2017
Black Reel Awards for Television Outstanding Television Movie or Limited Series Nominated [11]
Outstanding Actress, TV Movie or Limited Series Oprah Winfrey Nominated
Outstanding Supporting Actor, TV Movie or Limited Series Reg E. Cathey Nominated
Outstanding Directing, TV Movie/Limited Series George C. Wolfe Nominated
Outstanding Writing, TV Movie/Limited Series Won
Online Film & Television Association AwardsBest Motion PictureNominated [12]
Best Actress in a Motion Picture or Limited SeriesOprah WinfreyNominated
Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Television Movie Oprah Winfrey, Carla Gardini, Alan Ball, Peter Macdissi,
Lydia Dean Pilcher, Rebecca Skloot, and Kathryn Dean
Nominated [13]
2018
Artios Awards Outstanding Achievement in Casting – Film – Non-Theatrical Release Cindy Tolan, Meagan Lewis, and Daniel CabezaNominated [14]
Critics' Choice Television Awards Best Movie Made for Television Nominated [15]
Directors Guild of America Awards Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Movies for Television and Miniseries George C. WolfeNominated [16]
Gracie Awards Made for TV MovieWon [17]
NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special Nominated [18]
Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special Oprah WinfreyNominated
Outstanding Writing in a Television Movie or Special Peter Landesman, Alexander Woo, and George C. WolfeNominated
NAMIC Vision AwardsOriginal Movie or SpecialWon [19]
Best Performance – DramaOprah WinfreyWon
Satellite Awards Best Motion Picture Made for Television Nominated [20]
USC Scripter Awards TelevisionPeter Landesman, Alexander Woo, and George C. Wolfe (screenwriters); Rebecca Skloot (author)Nominated [21]
Writers Guild of America Awards Long Form – Adapted Peter Landesman, Alexander Woo, and George C. Wolfe;
Based on the book by Rebecca Skloot
Nominated [22]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Henrietta Lacks</span> African-American woman (1920–1951), source of HeLa immortal cell line

Henrietta Lacks was an African-American woman whose cancer cells are the source of the HeLa cell line, the first immortalized human cell line and one of the most important cell lines in medical research. An immortalized cell line reproduces indefinitely under specific conditions, and the HeLa cell line continues to be a source of invaluable medical data to the present day.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">HeLa</span> Oldest cultured human cell line (1951)

HeLa is an immortalized cell line used in scientific research. It is the oldest human cell line and one of the most commonly used. HeLa cells are durable and prolific, allowing for extensive applications in scientific study. The line is derived from cervical cancer cells taken on 8 February 1951, from Henrietta Lacks, a 31-year-old African American mother of five, after whom the line is named. Lacks died of cancer on 4 October 1951.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Courtney B. Vance</span> American actor (born 1960)

Courtney Bernard Vance is an American actor. He started his career on stage before moving to film and television. Vance has received various accolades, including a Tony Award and two Primetime Emmy Awards, as well as nominations for a Grammy Award, Golden Globe Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Renée Elise Goldsberry</span> American actress, singer (b. 1971)

Renée Elise Goldsberry is an American actress and singer known for originating the role of Angelica Schuyler in the Broadway musical Hamilton, for which she won the 2016 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. Her other Broadway credits include Nettie Harris in the original Broadway cast of The Color Purple, and Mimi Marquez in Rent. She has portrayed many roles on television, including Geneva Pine on The Good Wife, and Evangeline Williamson on One Life to Live, for which she received two Daytime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. Since 2021, she has starred in the Netflix musical comedy Girls5eva. Also that year, she received a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Actress in a Supporting Role in a Limited Series or Movie for her performance in the Disney+ live stage recording of Hamilton, which was released in 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Harpo Productions</span> American multimedia production company

Harpo Productions is an American multimedia production company founded by Oprah Winfrey and based in West Hollywood, California. The name "Harpo" is "Oprah" spelled backwards and it was also the name of her on-screen husband in the film The Color Purple (1985).

Adriane Lenox is an American actress, best known for her performances in Broadway theatre. Her performance in the play Doubt: A Parable garnered her the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play in 2005. She received another Tony Award nomination for After Midnight in 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">George Otto Gey</span> American cell biologist (1899–1970)

George Otto Gey was the cell biologist at Johns Hopkins Hospital who is credited with propagating the HeLa cell line from Henrietta Lacks' cervical tumor. He spent over 35 years developing numerous scientific breakthroughs under the Johns Hopkins Medical School and Hospital.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rebecca Skloot</span> American writer

Rebecca L. Skloot is an American science writer who specializes in science and medicine. Her first book, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (2010), was one of the best-selling new books of 2010, staying on The New York Times Bestseller list for over 6 years and eventually reaching #1. It was adapted into a movie by George C. Wolfe, which premiered on HBO on April 22, 2017, and starred Rose Byrne as Skloot, and Oprah Winfrey as Lacks's daughter Deborah.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Merle Dandridge</span> American actress, singer (b. 1975)

Merle Dandridge is an American actress and singer. She is best known for performing in Broadway musicals such as Jesus Christ Superstar, Spamalot, Rent, and Once on This Island, as well as her video game roles as Alyx Vance in Half-Life 2 and Marlene in The Last of Us franchise. She played the leading role of Grace Greenleaf in the Oprah Winfrey Network drama series, Greenleaf (2016-2020). She’s had recurring roles on television series such as Sons of Anarchy and The Night Shift and starred as Kim Hammond in the first season of HBO Max comedy-drama series The Flight Attendant in 2020. In 2022, Dandridge began starring as Natasha Seo-Yeon Ross in the ABC action series Station 19. She reprised her role as Marlene in the 2023 television adaptation of The Last of Us.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oprah Winfrey Network</span> American pay television network

The Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) is an American multinational basic cable television network which launched on January 1, 2011, effectively replacing the Discovery Health Channel. The OWN is a joint venture between Warner Bros. Discovery and Harpo Studios, conceptualized largely by popular talkshow host, Oprah Winfrey—the name of Harpo Studios is Winfrey’s first name, spelled backwards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oprah Winfrey</span> American talk show host, actress, producer, and author (born 1954)

Oprah Gail Winfrey, also known mononymously as Oprah, is an American talk show host, television producer, actress, author, and media proprietor. She is best known for her talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, broadcast from Chicago, which ran in national syndication for 25 years, from 1986 to 2011. Dubbed the "Queen of All Media", she was the richest African-American of the 20th century and was once the world's only black billionaire. By 2007, she was often ranked as the most influential woman in the world.

<i>The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks</i> 2010 non-fiction book by Rebecca Skloot

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (2010) is a non-fiction book by American author Rebecca Skloot. It was the 2011 winner of the National Academies Communication Award for best creative work that helps the public understanding of topics in science, engineering or medicine.

Lydia Dean Pilcher is an American film and television producer and director and founder of Cine Mosaic, a production company based in New York City.

<i>Sisters</i> (2015 film) 2015 comedy film directed by Jason Moore

Sisters is a 2015 American comedy film directed by Jason Moore, written by Paula Pell and is the second collaboration between Tina Fey and Amy Poehler following the film Baby Mama (2008). The rest of the cast consists of Maya Rudolph, Ike Barinholtz, James Brolin, John Cena, John Leguizamo, Bobby Moynihan, and Dianne Wiest.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Omar Dorsey</span> American actor

Omar Dorsey is an American actor. He has appeared in films The Blind Side (2009), Django Unchained (2012), and Selma (2014) playing James Orange. In 2016, Dorsey began starring as Hollingsworth "Hollywood" Desonier in the Oprah Winfrey Network drama series Queen Sugar.

<i>A Wrinkle in Time</i> (2018 film) 2018 American science fantasy adventure film

A Wrinkle in Time is a 2018 American science fantasy adventure film directed by Ava DuVernay and written by Jennifer Lee and Jeff Stockwell, based on Madeleine L'Engle's 1962 novel of the same name. Produced by Walt Disney Pictures and Whitaker Entertainment, the story follows a young girl who, with the help of three astral travelers, sets off on a quest to find her missing father. The film stars Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling, Levi Miller, Storm Reid, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Michael Peña, Zach Galifianakis, and Chris Pine.

Greenleaf is an American drama television series created by Craig Wright, and executive produced by Oprah Winfrey and Lionsgate Television. Clement Virgo also serves as an executive producer and director. It stars Keith David, Lynn Whitfield, and Merle Dandridge. Greenleaf premiered on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) on June 21, 2016.

<i>Stronger</i> (film) 2017 film directed by David Gordon Green

Stronger is a 2017 American biographical drama film directed by David Gordon Green and written by John Pollono, based on the memoir of the same name by Jeff Bauman and Bret Witter. It follows Bauman, who loses his legs in the Boston Marathon bombings and must adjust to his new life. It stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Bauman, with Tatiana Maslany, Miranda Richardson, Carlos Sanz, and Clancy Brown in supporting roles.

<i>On the Record</i> (film) 2020 documentary film

On the Record is a 2020 American documentary film directed by Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering. It centers on allegations of sexual abuse and harassment against hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons. Executive producer Oprah Winfrey publicly withdrew from the film shortly before it was released, citing "creative differences", severing a production deal with Apple TV+. The film premiered at Sundance on January 25, 2020, and was acquired by HBO Max, which released it digitally on May 27, 2020.

<i>Hacks</i> (TV series) American comedy-drama television series

Hacks is an American comedy-drama television series created by Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky that premiered on May 13, 2021, on HBO Max. Starring Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, and Carl Clemons-Hopkins, the series centers on the professional relationship between a young comedy writer and a legendary stand-up comedian. The series received critical acclaim and won accolades including Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Writing, Outstanding Directing, and for Smart, Outstanding Lead Actress, as well as the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy. In June 2021, the series was renewed for a second season, which premiered on May 12, 2022. In June 2022, the series was renewed for a third season, which premiered on May 2, 2024.

References

  1. Agard, Chancellor (February 14, 2017). "Oprah Winfrey's Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks gets HBO premiere date". Entertainment Weekly . Time . Retrieved June 14, 2018.
  2. Andreeva, Nellie (May 2, 2016). "Oprah Winfrey To Star In HBO Films' 'The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks'". Deadline Hollywood . Penske Business Media . Retrieved September 29, 2016.
  3. Petski, Denise (July 15, 2016). "Rose Byrne Joins Oprah Winfrey In HBO Films' 'The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks'". Deadline Hollywood . Penske Business Media . Retrieved September 29, 2016.
  4. Petski, Denise (July 25, 2016). "Renée Elise Goldsberry Cast In HBO Films' 'The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks'". Deadline Hollywood . Penske Business Media . Retrieved September 29, 2016.
  5. Pedersen, Erik (August 11, 2016). "Courtney B. Vance, Leslie Uggams, 7 Others Join Oprah Winfrey In HBO's 'Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks'". Deadline Hollywood . Penske Business Media . Retrieved September 29, 2016.
  6. Mayhugh, Jess (September 21, 2016). "Oprah's "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" Films in Baltimore This Week". Baltimore Magazine . Rosebud Entertainment. Retrieved September 29, 2016.
  7. Britto, Brittany (September 21, 2016). "Oprah Winfrey spotted in Baltimore as 'Henrietta Lacks' movie films in city". The Baltimore Sun . Baltimore Sun Media Group. Retrieved September 29, 2016.
  8. Shechet Epstein, Sonia. "Sloan Science & Film". Sloan Science & Film. Museum of the Moving Image . Retrieved April 14, 2017.
  9. "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (2017)". Rotten Tomatoes . Fandango Media . Retrieved June 14, 2018.
  10. "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks". Metacritic . CBS Interactive . Retrieved April 27, 2017.
  11. "Black Reel Awards for TV – Past Nominees & Winners by Category". Black Reel Awards . Retrieved December 18, 2021.
  12. "21st Annual Television Awards (2016-17)". Online Film & Television Association. Retrieved May 15, 2021.
  13. "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks". Emmys.com. Academy of Television Arts & Sciences . Retrieved July 13, 2017.
  14. "2018 Artios Awards". www.castingsociety.com. Retrieved January 18, 2018.
  15. Tapley, Kristopher (January 11, 2018). "'Shape of Water,' 'Big Little Lies,' 'Handmaid's Tale' Top Critics' Choice Awards". Variety . Retrieved January 11, 2018.
  16. "70th DGA Awards". Directors Guild of America Awards . Retrieved July 5, 2021.
  17. "2018 Gracies Gala Winners". Gracie Awards . Retrieved September 11, 2022.
  18. THR Staff (20 November 2017). "NAACP Image Awards: 'Marshall,' 'Get Out,' 'Girls Trip' Dominate Film Nominations". The Hollywood Reporter . Retrieved 20 November 2017.
  19. "2018 NAMIC Vision Awards – Winners". namic.com. Retrieved September 11, 2022.
  20. "2017 Satellite Awards". Satellite Awards . International Press Academy . Retrieved July 10, 2021.
  21. "Past Scripter Awards". USC Scripter Award . Retrieved November 8, 2021.
  22. Littleton, Cynthia (December 7, 2017). "Writers Guild Award TV Nominations: 'The Americans,' 'Handmaid's Tale,' 'GLOW' Grab Multiple Mentions". Variety. Retrieved December 7, 2017.