Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor Astounds in Ava DuVernay’s Daring New Film Origin

Ava DuVernay’s new film, Origin, is as bold and ambitious as they come. It’s also one of the most thought-provoking, transfixing films of 2023. Why it hasn’t been in the awards conversation is a puzzle. At the center of this extraordinary cinematic achievement is a loving, thoughtful and deeply complex performance by Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, who received her first Oscar nomination two years ago for King Richard.
Ellis-Taylor portrays the real-life Pulitzer-Prize-winning author and journalist Isabel Wilkerson, whose startling book, “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents” is what the film is based on. But this is no adaptation, nor is it a traditional narrative. What sets Origin apart from most films is its defiance of expectation in its narrative storytelling and the fact that the story’s central figure is a Black female. It’s the type of film you respond to viscerally, intellectually and emotionally, a rare feat.
Awards Daily correspondent Frank J. Avella had the pleasure of chatting with Ellis-Taylor about the film and her performance.
#Origin #AunjanueEllisTaylor #oscars #avaduvernay #oscars2024

[@BrianWhisenant]

Great interview!! Loved Origin so much.