“Another Simple Favor,” starring Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively, was released yesterday on Amazon Prime Video, available to stream for the entire world seven years after the release of “A Simple Favor” (2018). Taking place five years after the events of the first film, “Another Simple Favor” dives into the aftermath of Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick) and Emily Nelson’s relationship (Blake Lively) and the hijinks that ensue with some fashionable moments in Capri, Italy. Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, Joshua Satine, and Ian Ho reprise their roles for the sequel. New characters in “Another Simple Favor” include Michele Morrone, Elena Sofia Ricci, Elizabeth Perkins, Alex Newell, and Allison Janney. With Emily now being released on parole and having the most lavish wedding in Capri, Italy, she wants Stephanie to be her maid of honor at the ceremony. Of course, that job doesn’t come without its strings. With a fresh 70% on Rotten Tomatoes and fans eagerly anticipating the sequel, will it be competitive at this year’s upcoming Emmys for Outstanding Television Movie?
There is no theatrical release for “Another Simple Favor.” The first film was made on a #20 million budget and grossed $97.6 million worldwide. The conclusion of “Another Simple Favor” also sets up a tease for a potential third installment in what could be an ongoing franchise for returning director Paul Feig and his cast. Feig also teased to Variety back in March that the team is “definitely set up for one. There’s more fun stuff to be done with these characters.” While it did give pause to see this property hit the streaming route rather than push for a theatrical release, it does now make it eligible for Emmy consideration for Outstanding Television Movie.
What other films are potentially in contention for a possible Emmy Nomination in this category? “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy” was also pushed to a direct streaming release on Peacock rather than theatrical by the studio. It managed to receive $119.0 million internationally without a domestic release, which shows that the film could’ve had the potential to be a box office hit stateside if it had a release.
Netflix’s “Rebel Ridge” has also become a strong contender in the race. It was nominated for a PGA Award for Outstanding Producer of Televised or Streamed Motion Picture, a Critics Choice Award for Best Movie Made for Television, and most recently, a Gotham Award for Outstanding Original Film, Broadcast, or Streaming. It’s received strong critical praise and is currently sitting at 95% on Rotten Tomatoes. This action film also served as a star-turning role for Aaron Pierre, who plays Terry Richmond from a small town in Louisiana and has to overcome corruption by the police force. The role also probably had a hand in getting Aaron Pierre into the DC universe as the new Green Lantern, John Stewart.
Apple’s “The Gorge” had the biggest film premiere for the streamer so far this year and is led by Emmy Award Winner Anya Taylor Joy and Miles Teller. The Scott Derrickson-directed film blends several genres – spy thriller, horror, romance, and action. Miles Teller and Anya Taylor Joy provide great chemistry and are endlessly watchable together on screen. However, what stands out about this film is its technical achievements, including makeup, sound, and visuals. Being Apple TV’s most robust, leading contender, we expect a strong push as nominations are closing in for the Emmys on July 15th.
HBO/Max’s “Mountainhead” is from the mind of seven-time Emmy winner and Oscar nominee Jesse Armstrong, who will singlehandedly place it on the Emmy contention radar if the reviews are solid. This is his first project after the beloved “Succession” for HBO/Max, and right now, his name carries a ton of goodwill with it following that show’s success. Its plot consists of a mountaintop retreat with a group of four billionaire friends in the middle of an economic crisis. It’s being led by a quartet of award-nominated talent: Steve Carell (11-time Emmy nominee), Jason Schwartzman, Ramy Youssef, and Cory Michael Smith.
So, “Another Simple Favor” has some competition here. That’s for sure. So what gives it the edge for a nomination and potential win at the Emmys? The visibility of this film is powerful due to its strong marketing campaign, talent, and Amazon Prime Video’s broad reach. The trailer alone amassed over 22 million views on YouTube within two weeks, which is more than many other theatrically released films are obtaining. Prime Video is no slouch when it comes to getting their films nominated in this category as they recently had “Red White & Royal Blue” nominated for Outstanding Television Movie in 2024 at the Emmys, and before that, they got “Sylvie’s Love” (2021) and “King Lear” (2019) nominated. Additionally, Paul Feig’s last Emmy nomination in 2022 was for Outstanding Television Movie as a producer on “Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas,” and he has been nominated four times at the Emmys despite his extensive theatrical film output.
It also has award-winning television talent the Television Academy adores, with Allison Janney joining the cast and making quite the impression in this sequel. She’s already created chatter about a potential Emmy nomination for her role as Vice President Grace Penn in the second season of Netflix’s “The Diplomat” in the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama category. And if you’re worried that the reviews may not be that great for “Another Simple Favor,” let’s not forget that just last year, the Television Academy nominated Jerry Seinfeld’s “Unfrosted,” considered one of the worst movies of 2024.
There’s been a ton of excitement for “Another Simple Favor” since its warm reception during its world premiere at the South by Southwest festival. Fans of “A Simple Favor” have been anticipating this sequel for years, and now it’s finally here. And for better or worse, Blake Lively’s name being in the press recently for the controversy surrounding “It Ends with Us” has also done a lot to turn some heads and convince them to press play Amazon’s latest Emmy contender. Much like her character, Emily, you may not like her, but you certainly can’t keep your eyes off her and are, at the very least, curious to see what she does next.
Have you seen “Another Simple Favor” yet? What do you think will be nominated this year at the Emmys for Outstanding TV Movie? What are some of your favorite tv movies you’ve watched for this season so far? Please let us know in the comments section below or over on our X account, check out Tom O’Brien’s article on TV Movie contenders here, and be sure to check out our latest Emmy predictions here. Please also be sure to subscribe to the Next Best Series Podcast where we are conducting a number of interviews with Emmy contenders throughout the awards season and discussing the race over the next couple of months.
