Billy Elliot is a 2000 film directed by Stephen Daldry, written by Lee Hall. It was produced by BBC Films and distributed by Universal Pictures. The film grossed $109,80,263 worldwide and was nominated for three Academy Awards for Best Original Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Actress in a Supporting Role (for Julie Walters). The film also won three BAFTA awards: Best British Film, Best Actor in a Leading Role, and Best Actress in a Supporting Role, while garnering 10 additional nominations.
Lee Hall's screenplay was based off his original play, Dancer. The story centers around the titular character, Billy Elliot, who happens upon a ballet class which he chooses to pursue rather than the more socially acceptable boxing. This film takes place in County Durham where miners, including Billy’s father and brother, are on strike for better pay. The story shows the sacrifices one makes in order to harness one's potential and express oneself against all odds. The film addresses issues of class, politics, lost dreams, cultural and societal expectations, gender, and art.
The film was Stephen Daldry's debut film and won a great deal of acclaim as well as leading to a musical adaptation for the stage, also directed by Daldry. Critics praised the film, with A.O. Scott of The New York Times calling it "real and consequential."
