Emily Watson Backs Oscar-Qualified Short 'The Drive'

Two-time Oscar nominee Emily Watson has joined the short film "The Drive" as executive producer. The film, inspired by a little-known episode from the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, is now qualified for consideration for the 99th Academy Awards.

Watson lends her name and support to husband-and-wife filmmaking team David Arrow and Amber Paul as the film enters awards season. She has been friends with Arrow for many years.

What is 'The Drive' about?

The film is set on a warm November afternoon in the early 1960s. It follows Liz, played by Paul, during a routine school carpool when news of the assassination breaks. The ordinary journey becomes a drive she will never forget.

Rather than revisit the historic event itself, "The Drive" examines its immediate human impact through the intimate perspective of a mother suddenly confronted with a nation-changing tragedy. The film has screened at more than 40 film festivals and has won multiple awards.

Why did Watson sign on?

Watson said she was drawn to the film's understated approach to a moment embedded in the public consciousness.

"'The Drive' delivers a fresh insight into a moment that is universally known, with utter clarity," she said. "Beautifully shot and acted, being both emotionally truthful and understated, the brief but deeply touching story is rendered vividly with a texture that is absolutely of its time; with the lightest of touches we are slowly made aware that we are inside a very intimate and personal private detail of an historic world-shattering event seared in the public imagination."

Arrow, for his part, said the true story behind the film was new to him despite his familiarity with the assassination.

"As familiar as I am with the overall events that took place, I was stunned that I didn't know this small but significant piece of history, a very personal and compelling footnote to one of the most consequential chapters in the chronicle of the 20th century," he said.

Who are the filmmakers?

4 A Films produced "The Drive," which continues the creative partnership between Arrow and Paul.

Arrow's screen credits include "Igby Goes Down," "Hostage," "Broad City," NBC's "The Hunting Party" and AMC's "Turn." Paul is an award-winning actress whose credits include "The Woman From Hamburg," "That's My Boy," "Nurse Jackie" and "Music for a Sushi Restaurant" opposite Harry Styles.

Watson received her Oscar nominations for "Breaking the Waves" and "Hilary and Jackie." Her recent work includes a Berlin International Film Festival Silver Bear-winning performance in "Small Things Like These," opposite Cillian Murphy, and a role in Chloé Zhao's "Hamnet."

What does this change for awards season?

An executive producer credit from a two-time Oscar nominee gives a short film visibility in a category where attention is scarce. With more than 40 festival screenings behind it and qualification for the 99th Academy Awards secured, "The Drive" now heads into the awards race with a named advocate whose own credentials carry weight with Academy voters.