ANTONIO BANDERAS AND LEONARDO SBARAGLIA AS SALVADOR MA L LO A N D F E D E R I CO D E LGA D O, PA I N A N D G LO RY
Sony Pictures Classics SUBSIDIARY OF SONY PICTURES
Sony Pictures Classics (SPC), founded in 1992, is the independent film division of Sony Pictures Entertainment, which acquires, produces, and distributes independent films and documentaries. Several LGBTQ-inclusive films released since its inception include My Life in Pink (1997) about a gender non-conforming child; The Celluloid Closet (1995), a documentary about LGBTQ representations in film based on the book with the same title written by Vito Russo (co-founder of GLAAD); the Alan Ginsbergcentered story Kill Your Darlings (2013); Pedro Almodóvar’s I’m So Excited! (2013); Love Is Strange (2014); Grandma (2015); The Meddler (2016); GLAAD Media Award winners Call Me By Your Name and A Fantastic Woman (2017), and more.
Summary of 2019 Findings
11
films released theatrically in 2019 under studio & official imprints
5
total number of LGBTQ-inclusive films
45
%
percent of LGBTQ-inclusive films of studio total releases
All is True WIDEST THEATRICAL RELEASE: 328 THEATERS
This biopic of William Shakespeare in his final years shows him back at home with his wife and daughters. During a visit from the Earl of Southampton, Shakespeare tells the Earl he wrote a sonnet for him, and makes it clear he harbored romantic feelings for him. The Earl dismisses this as simple flattery, but also hints that the feelings may have once been mutual, though nothing was acted upon between the two. It’s refreshing for a film set in the 17th century to allow Shakespeare to be so forthcoming about his feelings for a man, and a lack of shame, regret, or conflict about that love.
Frankie WIDEST THEATRICAL RELEASE: 117 THEATERS
This film follows the titular Frankie, a renowned actor. She gathers her friends and family to Portugal to vacation together in the final months of her life. Those gathered include Michel, Frankie’s ex-husband, who speaks of how her leaving him was a positive because the break-up allowed him to recognize his attraction towards men. There aren’t any harsh words or ill will between Frankie and Michel, and the story is a good example of casual inclusion.
26
