A project that began with an early draft from legendary playwright/screenwriter – and AFI Honorary Degree recipient – Horton Foote, the remarkable true story of “Empress of the Blues” Bessie Smith was ultimately brought to the screen by Queen Latifah and director Dee Rees.
BESSIE earned 12 Primetime Emmy® nominations, including one for Queen Latifah for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or a Movie. The film won Outstanding Television Movie, along with wins in Outstanding Cinematography, Music Composition and Sound Mixing.
