Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr & More Join Focus Features 2019 Oscar Contender: "Tubman"

By Will Mavity

Although Focus Features is busy with awards contenders like “BlacKkKlansman” and “Boy Erased,” it has announced a potentially huge new Oscar contender for next year: “Tubman”​

The film, which will focus on the life of famed abolitionist Harriet Tubman, who operated the “underground railroad,” is set to begin filming this October.

The cast includes Tony Award Winner Cynthia Erivo, who is already receiving raves for her turn in Steve McQueen’s “Widows,” as the titular hero, alongside Tony Award Winner Leslie Odom Jr. ("Hamilton" & "Murder On The Orient Express"), Joe Alwyn (“The Favourite" & “Boy Erased”), Grammy Award Winner Jennifer Nettles (“Underground”), and Clark Peters (“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”).

The film is Directed by Kasi Lemmons (“Eve’s Bayou”) who co-wrote the screenplay alongside Gregory Alan Howard (“Remember the Titans”).

2-time Oscar Winning Cinematographer John Toll (“Braveheart" & “Legends of the Fall”) will serve as the film’s cinematographer.

As Focus busies itself on its 2018 Oscar field, keep an eye on this one for 2019, given its amazing cast and timely subject matter. 

You can follow Will and hear more of his thoughts on the Oscars and Film on Twitter at @mavericksmovies