This article is sponsored by Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios.
In an exclusive interview, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, acclaimed for her powerful performances, discusses her role as Hattie, the resilient grandmother in “Nickel Boys”—the film adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Directed by RaMell Ross, “Nickel Boys” tells the story of two boys growing up in the segregated South, and the staggering consequences of their reform school experiences.
Ellis-Taylor brings a quiet yet fierce strength to her portrayal of Hattie, a character who anchors the emotional core of the story. As the grandmother of Elwood Curtis, one of the boys, Hattie offers him love, guidance, and a tether to a world outside the harsh realities of Nickel Academy. In her conversation, Ellis-Taylor opens up about the deep emotional journey of playing a character who represents both the unyielding love of family and the scars of history. She also shares behind-the-scenes stories of working alongside a talented cast and crew, and how the film’s powerful themes of injustice and resilience resonate deeply with her own experiences.
Ellis-Taylor’s insights into Hattie’s strength and love will give viewers a fresh perspective on the film, and a deeper appreciation for her exceptional performance. Catch the exclusive look into the making of “Nickel Boys” and the incredible journey of one of its most compelling characters.