‘The Prom:’ Meryl Streep, Jo Ellen Pellman, James Corden Set For Lead Actor Awards Submission

Ryan Murphy’s upcoming Netflix adaptation of the Broadway musical The Prom is gearing up to compete in multiple acting categories for the year’s Academy Awards.

With an all-star ensemble cast including Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, James Corden, Keegan-Michael Key, Andrew Rannells, Ariana DeBose, and Kerry Washinton, The Prom is in prime position to be a hit. If it were released in theatres, it could’ve passed the $150 million mark easy. In the awards season, it’s an obvious favorite for comedy, musical, and even ensemble nominations. There is also hope for an Academy best picture.

According to Variety, Netflix has revealed The Prom’s lineup for actor submissions for the upcoming Academy Awards. Streep, who has three Oscar’s under her belt, will be submitted for lead actress alongside newcomer Jo Ellen Pellman. Corden will be put up for consideration in the lead actor category.

Oscar-winner Kidman, Emmy-winner Washinton, and Ariana DeBose will be up for supporting actress. Key and Rannels will be submitted for supporting actor.

The Prom revolves around a troupe of self-obsessed theater stars whose last major Broadway show ends up being a flop. In order to restore their public images, they flock to a little conservative Indiana town to help a high school girl take her girlfriend to prom and give her a night to celebrate who she truly is.

The Broadway version of The Prom garnered seven Tony award nominations in 2019. Among those are three leading actor nominations for Beth Leavel and Caitlin Kinnunen. It also received nominations for best musical and best direction of a musical.

Streep with 21 nominations still holds the record for the most Oscar nominations by any actor. Now, she can add one more to that. The best actress race this year though is very competitive. Streep will be going against other notable A-listers including Viola Davis for Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Frances McDorman for Nomadland, and Sophia Loren for The Life Ahead. Although Pellman holds her own next to her decorated co-stars in her film debut, she’s most likely to face an uphill battle.

Corden, on the other hand, will be going against Anthony Hopkins for The Father and Steven Yeun for Minari among many others for the lead actor.

The Prom is only one of Netflix’s many award contenders this year. Others include The Trial of the Chicago 7, Da 5 Bloods, The Midnight Sky, and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. 

The Prom will be released on Dec. 11 on Netflix.