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Plot, Details & Awards

The Help

(2011)

Rated PG-13 for thematic material.

PG-13 In Theaters 08/10/2011 , 137min.
Drama
Available on DVD
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Plot & Details

Based on one of the most talked about books in years and a #1 New York Times best-selling phenomenon, 'The Help' stars Emma Stone ('Easy A') as Skeeter, Academy Award-nominated Viola Davis ('Doubt') as Aibileen and Octavia Spencer as Minny--three very different, extraordinary women in Mississippi during the 1960s, who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project that breaks societal rules and puts them all at risk. From their improbable alliance a remarkable sisterhood emerges, instilling all of them with the courage to transcend the lines that define them, and the realization that sometimes those lines are made to be crossed--even if it means bringing everyone in town face-to-face with the changing times.

Deeply moving, filled with poignancy, humor and hope, 'The Help' is a timeless and universal story about the ability to create change.
  • MPAA Rating: PG-13
  • Genre(s): Drama
  • Run Time: 137min.
  • Theatrical Release Date: 08/10/2011
  • DVD Release Date: 12/06/2011
  • Distributor(s): DreamWorks
  • Director(s): Tate Taylor
  • Starring: Viola Davis , Bryce Dallas Howard , Octavia Spencer , Emma Stone , Jessica Chastain
  • Themes: Servants and Employers,Race Relations,Women's Friendship,Unlikely Friendships,Keeping a Secret
  • Tone: Bittersweet,Poignant,Reflective
  • Keywords: book,community,maid,mother,racism,reporter,women
  • Country of Origin: USA (08-10-2011)
  • Language: English

Awards

Academy Awards

Year Award CategoryCast & Crew Result
2011 Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Best Picture Chris Columbus Nominated
2011 Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Best Actress Viola Davis Nominated
2011 Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Best Picture Michael Barnathan Nominated
2011 Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Best Supporting Actress Jessica Chastain Nominated
2011 Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Best Picture Brunson Green Nominated
2011 Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Best Supporting Actress Octavia Spencer Won

British Academy of Film and Television Arts

Year Award CategoryCast & Crew Result
2011 British Academy of Film and Television Arts Best Supporting Actress Octavia Spencer Won
2011 British Academy of Film and Television Arts Best Actress Viola Davis Nominated
2011 British Academy of Film and Television Arts Best Adapted Screenplay Tate Taylor Nominated
2011 British Academy of Film and Television Arts Best Picture Nominated
2011 British Academy of Film and Television Arts Best Supporting Actress Jessica Chastain Nominated

Golden Globes

Year Award CategoryCast & Crew Result
2011 Hollywood Foreign Press Association Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture Jessica Chastain Nominated
2011 Hollywood Foreign Press Association Best Original Song Thomas Newman Nominated
2011 Hollywood Foreign Press Association Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture Octavia Spencer Won
2011 Hollywood Foreign Press Association Best Original Song Harvey Mason, Jr. Nominated
2011 Hollywood Foreign Press Association Best Picture - Drama Nominated
2011 Hollywood Foreign Press Association Best Original Song Mary J. Blige Nominated
2011 Hollywood Foreign Press Association Best Actress - Drama Viola Davis Nominated
2011 Hollywood Foreign Press Association Best Original Song Damon Thomas Nominated