Thank God it has rained heavily this morning because the weather is just perfect for our self-proclaimed critics to take cover under their blankets! The girl some critics wrote off for what they termed as “mediocrity, average, lousy acting” has been given a huge nod by the biggest global movie critics.
Yes, our very own Madina Nalwanga who played the role of Phionah Mutesi in Queen of Katwe has been nominated in the prestigious Critics’ Choice Awards for best young actor/actress. This is her first film and very first nomination. Talk about prophets being persecuted in their own land!
The critically-acclaimed Queen of Katwe has indeed proven to be a huge blessing to Uganda and most importantly breaking ground for new faces. An elated Lupita Nyong’o who played as mother to Mutesi celebrated her “daughter’s” nomination on Facebook. “My darling on-screen daughter, Madina Nalwanga just got nominated for a Critics’ Choice Awards for best young actor/actress for her role in Queen of Katwe!!!! Her very first film, her very first nomination! Congratulations, my love. #queening#MadinaNalwanga” she posted.
The Critics’ Choice Awards are bestowed annually by the Broadcast Film Critics Association to honor the finest in cinematic achievement. In the spring, The Critics’ Choice Television Awards honor the finest television entertainment and are bestowed by BFCA’s sister organization, the Broadcast Television Journalists Association
Directed by Mira Nair, Queen of Katwe highlights the hustle of living in the slum of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda, where life is a constant struggle for 10-year-old Phiona (Madina Nalwanga) and her family. Her world changes one day when she meets Robert Katende (David Oyelowo), a missionary who teaches children how to play chess.
Phiona becomes fascinated with the game and soon becomes a top player under Katende’s guidance. Her success in local competitions and tournaments opens the door to a bright future and a golden chance to escape from a life of poverty. The movie earned 92% rating by Rotten Tomatoes and 73% score by Metacritic. It has also been a valuable tool for parenting lessons, sports and generally a feel-good Disney movie.
The winners chosen by subsequent voting are revealed at the annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards ceremony. Additional, special awards are given out at the discretion of the BFCA Board of Directors. The show goes down on 11th December, this Sunday!
We wish her the best.