The second time was when, from the microphone, she went off-script to praise the work of Eva Victor, the writer, director, and star of the movie Sorry, Baby, and implored everyone in the room and viewing on TV to watch it.
Roberts and Victor were both nominees for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Drama, Roberts for After the Hunt, and the Oscar-winner joked about how they both lost: “Me and Eva Victor, who is my hero. Yeah. Sorry, Baby. If you have not seen it, see it."
Well, I have seen it. And can cosign my dear colleague Julia Robert’s critical advice: Sorry, Baby is sensational. And, should you want to follow our recommendation, it’s streaming now on HBO Max—and just skyrocketed in status as an Oscar contender.
It is the rare film to deserve designation as “special.” As the multihyphenate behind its script, direction, and lead performance, Victor is a fresh voice in three different ways. She creates a cinematic and conversational language that feels as cozily familiar—and therefore relatable and imperative—as it does brand new and invigorating.
Right away, Sorry, Baby drops you into the middle of girl talk between best friends Agnes (Victor) and Lydie (Naomi Ackie), who are giggling and gossiping about what the hell guys are talking bout when they say “you like that” during sex. You instantly recognize these women, understand their friendship, and are addicted to the wry sense of humor.
