"Diana" has landed a U.S release date.
The princess Diana biopic recently obtained a release date for Nov. 1 from distributor Entertainment One. The film, starring Naomi Watts, is based on biographer Kate Snell's book "Diana" and takes a look at Princess' rocky days after her divorce from the Prince of Wales up to until her tragic and unexpected death in 1997.
The film is currently scheduled to makes its world premiere at the Zurich Film Festival and has been called an Oscar contender for the past year. However, buzz had recently calmed down with the distributor refusing to reveal a release date.
But now, with a November date in the midst of awards season, "Diana" is back in the race. Watts has been called the favorite for a number of months, and that's no surprise. The Academy loves biopics and the royal family. Two recent performances by Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth ("The Queen") and Colin Firth as King George ("The King's Speech") have won Oscars. Additionally Cate Blanchett's performances as Queen Elizabeth the first ("Elizabeth," "Elizabeth: The Golden Age") were nominated for Oscars.
If Watts receives enthusiastic reviews then the actress could be headed for her third nomination and potentially a win.
Watts recently starred in "The Impossible" for which she received an Academy Award nomination. She has also been seen in "Sunlight Jr.," " Adore," "J. Edgar," "21 Grams" and "King Kong."
"Diana" is directed by Oliver Kirschbiegel who is known for his work on "The Invasion," "Downfall," "Five Minutes in Heaven" and "The Experiment."
The film also stars Naveen Andrews, Geraldine James, Charles Edwards and Daniel Pirrie. The movie is set for release in the U.K. on Oct. 10 and premieres as a Gala film at Zurich.