Jamie Lee Curtis, Emma Mackey honour their 'Ella McCay' director James L Brooks

ANI April 4, 2025 180 views

Jamie Lee Curtis and Emma Mackey joined forces at CinemaCon to celebrate legendary director James L Brooks and his latest comedy, Ella McCay. The film, set for release on September 19, features Mackey in the title role with Curtis playing her supportive aunt. Brooks received a Cinema Verite trophy while introducing the first-ever footage of the movie, which explores complex family and career dynamics. The star-studded cast includes Woody Harrelson, Kumail Nanjiani, and Albert Brooks, promising an authentic and compelling narrative.

"Jim's work has created beloved characters and stories that feel real, true and profoundly personal." - Jamie Lee Curtis
Washington, April 4: Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis and Emma Mackey, who are part of the upcoming 20th Century Studios film 'Ella McCay' , turned up at CinemaCon to honour their legendary director James L Brooks with a Cinema Verite trophy and introduce the first ever look at the comedy.

Key Points

1

Jamie Lee Curtis plays Ella's supportive aunt in upcoming comedy

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James L Brooks receives Cinema Verite trophy at CinemaCon

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Emma Mackey stars in title role opposite star-studded cast

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Film explores career and family dynamics of young woman

Set for release from 20th Century Studios on September 19, the comedy, written and directed by Brooks, follows the complicated politics that arise when a young woman's stressful career clashes with a chaotic family life, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

It stars Mackey in the title role opposite a cast that includes Curtis, Woody Harrelson, Kumail Nanjiani, Spike Fearn, Ayo Edebiri, Rebecca Hall, Julie Kavner, Jack Lowden, Becky Ann Baker, Joey Brooks with Albert Brooks.

Curtis appreciated Mackey's brilliant performance and reveals that she plays her aunt and "Ella's biggest cheerleader," as per the outlet.

She also praised Brooks. "Not every director can confidently say their work has shaped the way we see, feel and understand storytelling, but Jim Brooks can. Jim's work has created beloved characters and stories that feel real, true and profoundly personal."

Curtis continued "Jim is an observer who reflects life back to us with honesty and authenticity that is the essence of cinema verite."

Brooks then said he'll never forget his first preview.

After his acceptance speech, Brooks introduced the first ever footage of the film that revealed strife between Ella and her father, played by Harrelson. She then gets the promotion of a lifetime with a governor, played by Albert Brooks, vacates his position and puts her in the job at 34 years old.

Ella McCay is set for release from 20th Century Studios on September 19, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Reader Comments

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Sarah K.
James L. Brooks is a legend! His films always have such heart and humor. Can't wait to see what he's cooked up with this talented cast. That scene with Woody Harrelson already sounds hilarious 😂
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Marcus T.
Emma Mackey is such a rising star - perfect casting for this role. Love that Jamie Lee Curtis is playing her aunt too! Their dynamic sounds like it'll be amazing on screen.
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Javier R.
While I'm excited for this film, I hope it doesn't fall into the same formula as Brooks' previous work. The premise sounds a bit similar to some of his other films about work-life balance. Still, with this cast, I'll definitely give it a chance!
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Lisa P.
That cast is STACKED! Woody Harrelson and Albert Brooks in the same film? Sign me up! September can't come soon enough 🎬
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Trevor W.
Jamie Lee Curtis' praise for Brooks is so heartfelt. You can tell there's genuine respect there. That kind of director-actor relationship usually leads to great performances.
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Amira S.
The premise sounds so relatable! Work vs family is something we all struggle with. Hope the film brings both laughs and some meaningful insights 🤞

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Jamie Lee Curtis Emma Mackey James L Brooks Ella McCay 20th Century Studios CinemaCon Hollywood Comedy
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