Jessica Lange Fights to Stay on the Stage in The Great Lillian Hall Trailer — Watch

Michael Ausiello
·1 min read
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Cognitive decline is waiting in the wings for The Great Lillian Hall in the trailer for the HBO’s star-packed new film.

The premium cable network shook up the 2024 Emmy race with its 11th hour acquisition of the showbiz-themed film starring Jessica Lange as an iconic Broadway diva facing the ultimate test.

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Originally eyed for a theatrical release, the movie — formerly titled Places, Please — will now premiere on HBO on Friday, May 31, the day before the 2024 Emmy eligibility window closes. The move allows HBO to take advantage of a relatively weak Outstanding Movie race. Two-time Oscar winner Lange, meanwhile, is expected to compete in the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie contest, pitting her against current frontrunners Jodie Foster (True Detective: Night Country), Brie Larson (Lessons in Chemistry) and Juno Temple (Fargo).

Directed by American Horror Story vet Michael Cristofer, the film centers on Lillian Hall (Lange), a beloved Broadway star who, after pouring her heart, soul, and time into preparing for her next big role, finds herself blindsided by confusion and forgetfulness. Battling against all odds to make it to opening night, while holding on to her fading memories and identity, she must navigate a tumultuous emotional journey — balancing her desire for the spotlight and the stark demands of the real world.

The cast also includes two of Lange’s AHS co-stars Lily Rabe and Kathy Bates, as well as Jesse Williams and Pierce Brosnan.

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