8.1
2019 Movie
If Beale Street Could Talk
Dir. Barry Jenkins · United States of America · English
A compelling tale of coming to terms with injustice
Barry Jenkins’ follow up to his award-winning film Moonlight, If Beale Street Could Talk is a highly compelling tale that explores the extent of the emotional consequences of racial injustices through the lens of a young couple torn apart by the judicial system. Staying faithful to James Baldwin’s original novel while adopting Jenkins’ signature melancholic style, it fails to reach the brilliance of Moonlight, but still stands strong enough on its own and successfully tugs on your heartstrings.
What happens
After her fiance is falsely imprisoned, a pregnant African-American woman sets out to clear his name and prove his innocence.
What the critics said
Notable Critics

"Jenkins has cemented his status as a very big deal."
— Tayler Montague

"Jenkins's film is a compendium of marvellous moments, lovingly observed vignettes of black working-class life, but the unvarying tempo with which they are laid out for the viewer eventually creates a certain monotony"
— Nick Pinkerton
Awards

Oscars
1 win · 2 noms
Won: Best Supporting ActressNominated: Best Adapted ScreenplayNominated: Best Original Score

Golden Globes
1 win · 2 noms
Won: Best Supporting Actress: Motion PictureNominated: Best Motion PictureNominated: Best Screenplay

BAFTA
2 noms
Nominated: Best Adapted ScreenplayNominated: Best Original Music

Spirit Awards
3 wins
Won: Best DirectorWon: Best FeatureWon: Best Supporting Female

WGA
1 nom
Nominated: Best Adapted Screenplay

Nat. Board of Review
3 wins
Won: Best Adapted ScreenplayWon: Best Supporting ActressWon: Top 10 Films

NYFCC
1 win
Won: Best Supporting Actress

LAFCA
2 wins · 1 nom
Won: Best MusicWon: Best Supporting ActressNominated: Best Cinematography
About the author

Diego Andaluz
Diego Andaluz is a freelance film critic, journalist, and podcaster based in New York, serving as Awards Editor at DiscussingFilm and Editor-in-Chief of The Global Film Show. His commentary has been featured in AwardsWatch, The Film Stage, Deadline, IndieWire, People, and Mashable.
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