The Oscar nominations for 2020 were announced on January 13, and avid film fans have been making their predictions on who’ll take home the Academy Award. But as usual, the Academy favored men in their list of candidates, snubbing plenty of women moviemakers.
Despite not receiving their much-deserved recognition, 2019 was an astonishing year for female directors, from Greta Gerwig’s well-acclaimed “Little Women” and Lulu Wang’s poignant “The Farewell.”
This 2020, women will dominate the box office once again – both behind the camera and on-screen. Helmed and top-billed by female directors and movie stars, some of the most awaited films this year are led by women. This year’s much-talked about releases cover a range of genres, from romantic dramas to big superhero flicks.
We’ve rounded up a list of female-led films that will surely have people queuing up in cinema ticket booths.
Little Women
Greta Gerwig
Based on Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel, “Little Women” follows the lives of the March sisters. Set during the American Civil War, these four women go through life’s ups and downs as they transition from childhood into adulthood.
Emma Watson stars as beautiful Meg, Saoirse Ronan as headstrong Jo, Florence Pugh as aspiring artist Amy, and Eliza Scanlen as sweet Beth. The film also has big-name actors Meryl Streep and Laura Dern.
“Little Women” premieres on February 19, Wednesday, but will have a sneak preview in selected cinemas on February 10 and 11.
Black Widow
Cate Shortland
Despite her devastating send-off in “Avengers: Endgame, Black Widow” returns to the big screen as the first installment in Marvel’s Phase 4. Marvel fans have been demanding a stand-alone film for the Russian superspy, and they’re finally getting one, 10 years since her first appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Scarlett Johansson reprises her role as Natasha Romanova, starring alongside David Harbour, David Harbour, and Rachel Weisz.
In typical Marvel fashion. the studio is keeping many details of the film hushed. But they did confirm that Black Widow is set between the events of Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War.
“Black Widow” will hit Philippine theaters on April 29, 2020.
Wonder Woman 1984
Patty Jenkins
Patty Jenkins will once again helm this “Wonder Woman” solo feature, so DC fans can expect the same stunning visuals and direction as the first installment. However, producer Charles Roven clarified that Wonder Woman 1984 isn’t a sequel, but another iteration set in a different time frame. This may explain how Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) is able to return, despite his heartbreaking crash landing in the first movie.
Gal Gadot returns as Amazonian princess Diana, with Pedro Pascal playing the villain Maxwell Lord.
Wonder Woman 1984 premiers this June 5, 2020.
Birds of Prey
Cathy Yan
“Birds of Prey: And The Fantabulous Emancipation Of One Harley Quinn” is DC’s first venture in 2020. Harley Quinn is back, but this time without the psychomaniac Joker.
With its fabulous costume design and female-gaze-oriented screenplay, Birds of Prey is a spectacular glam rock comic book movie about Harley and her diverse, all-women team. Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and Rosie Perez headline this action-packed film along with Margot Robbie.
“The Birds of Prey” lands in the theatres this February 2020.
Fluffy and Fream
Alessandra de Rossi
Alessandra De Rossi debuts her directorial flair in a romantic drama starring herself and Piolo Pascual. Produced by Pascual’s firm Spring Films, “Fluffy and Fream” follows the highs and lows of a relationship, shot in scenic locations. The actress, and now director, has been actively sharing teasers and behind-the-scene photos of the movie through her Instagram account.
As of today, “Fluffy and Fream” has no release date yet, although it will premier this year.
Apart from these five movies, other 2020 films top-billed by women are “Mulan,” “A Quiet Place II,” and “The Woman in the Window.”
What’s your much-awaited movie this year? Let us know in the comments!
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