It’s not often that you can stream an Oscar-nominated movie for free ahead of the ceremony. However, the makers of A Friend of Dorothy have decided to make the 21-minute short free to view on YouTube.
The film is about a lonely 87-year-old widow named Dorothy (Miriam Margolyes) who bonds with a 17-year-old neighbor, JJ (Alistair Nwachukwu), over shared loneliness and a need to be seen.
The two become acquainted when JJ kicks his football into Dorothy’s garden. He shares with her that, rather than sport, his true passion is for drama. Dorothy, who is in poor health, shares with JJ the many plays she has collected in her library, including some queer classics.
Besides Margolyes, who is gay, it also features Stephen Fry. It’s written and directed by Lee Knight.
The film packs an emotional punch, with a heartwarming ending.
Watch on YouTube.
A Friend of Dorothy has been nominated in the category of ‘Best Live Action Short Film’ at the forthcoming Academy Awards. It’s up against Butcher’s Stain, Jane Austen’s Period Drama, The Singers, and Two People Exchanging Saliva.
The 98th Oscars ceremony is set for Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theater at Ovation Hollywood.
Source: Queerty
