A closer look at “His Three Daughters” and its Oscar journey

A family drama with Oscar potential

The stars of “His Three Daughters” are gearing up for a competitive Oscar season. Carrie Coon, Natasha Lyonne, and Elizabeth Olsen, who have all received acclaim for their roles in Azazel Jacobs’ family drama, are submitting for Oscar consideration in the supporting actress category. Their co-stars, Jovan Adepo, Jay O. Sanders, and Rudy Galvan, will also be vying for supporting actor recognition.

The plot and critical reception

Written and directed by Azazel Jacobs, “His Three Daughters” tells the story of three estranged sisters who reunite to care for their terminally ill father in his Brooklyn apartment. The film premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival and was subsequently acquired by Netflix for a reported $7 million. It has since garnered glowing reviews, maintaining a 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have praised the film for its emotional depth and strong performances, with one prominent critic noting, “Azazel Jacobs has truly come into his own with this film.”

Navigating the Oscar race

Award season campaigns can be challenging, especially when multiple stars from the same film are vying for similar recognition. Historical examples show mixed results. For instance, “The Favourite” (2018) successfully navigated this challenge, with Olivia Colman winning best actress and Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz both earning supporting actress nominations. However, “Straight Outta Compton” (2015) saw its three breakout stars submit in the supporting actor category without earning any nominations. This year, the best supporting actress category is expected to be particularly competitive, with strong contenders from other Netflix films like Danielle Deadwyler in “The Piano Lesson”, Selena Gomez, and Zoe Saldaña in “Emilia Pérez”.

The standout performances

Natasha Lyonne as Rachel

Among the cast, Natasha Lyonne, who has the most screen time, plays Rachel, the non-biological daughter who has become her father’s primary caretaker as he enters hospice care. Lyonne, known for her roles in “American Pie” and “Orange Is the New Black”, delivers a subtle and nuanced performance in “His Three Daughters”. Her distinctive raspy voice and commanding presence add deep layers to her character, making it one of her most memorable roles to date.

Carrie Coon as Katie

Carrie Coon, fresh off her second Emmy nomination for “The Gilded Age”, plays Katie, the eldest and most authoritative of the sisters. Coon has already proven her dramatic prowess with a Tony nomination for the 2012 revival of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” and pivotal roles in films like “Gone Girl” and “The Nest”. Her performance in “His Three Daughters” is considered a career-best, and she could be a strong contender if vote-splitting doesn’t become an issue.

Elizabeth Olsen as Christina

Elizabeth Olsen, who plays Christina, the emotionally grounded middle sister caught between her feuding siblings, delivers another example of her deep talent. An Emmy nominee for her role as Wanda Maximoff in “WandaVision”, Olsen has built a reputation for taking on complex, emotionally charged roles. From her breakout in “Martha Marcy May Marlene” to her menacing turn in “Love & Death”, she continues to stretch herself in both indie and blockbuster films.

The broader Oscar campaign

In addition to its potential for acting nominations, “His Three Daughters” will pursue recognition in other major categories. These include best picture, director, and original screenplay for Azazel Jacobs, as well as original score and song (“In Time”), composed and performed by Rodrigo Amarante.

Final thoughts

“His Three Daughters” is currently streaming on Netflix, and its journey through the Oscar season will be one to watch. The film’s strong performances and emotional depth make it a standout in this year’s lineup.

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