Eve's Bayou
Encyclopedia
Eve's Bayou is a 1997 American drama film
written and directed by Kasi Lemmons
, who made her directorial debut with this feature. Samuel L. Jackson
served as a producer and starred in the film alongside Debbi Morgan
, Jurnee Smollett
, Lynn Whitfield
, and Meagan Good
.
) is the youngest daughter of one of Louisiana
's most sophisticated and prosperous families. Her father, Louis (Samuel L. Jackson
), is the town's highly respected doctor, a man known for his ability to "fix" things – everything except his own family problems and philandering lifestyle. Her mother Roz (Lynn Whitfield
) is a southern woman with an affinity for the traditions of Creole
heritage. But Eve is most like her Aunt Mozelle (Debbi Morgan
) – impulsive, intuitive, a touch supernatural and possessing the need to know the truth about everything. Over one explosive summer, this young girl uncovers some of her family's most frightening hidden truths, and then tries to bind them together against the tide of tragedy.
Roger Ebert
naming it the best film of 1997. CNN
's Paul Tatara, Empire
, Entertainment Weekly
, The Hollywood Reporter
, The Los Angeles Times
, The New York Observer, The New York Times
, TIME
, Variety
, and The Washington Post
also loudly praised the film and its performances.
Eve's Bayou received a "fresh" rating from Rotten Tomatoes
, reporting that 80% of critics gave the film positive reviews, based on 50 reviews. Though not nominated for any Academy Awards
, the film did receive many accolades. Debbi Morgan
's performance would be her most honored film role, with four nominations and two wins. The film is also noted for Jurnee Smollett
's performance; up to this point, she had worked primarily as a TV actress, with Jack being her only previous film.
In February 2008, Eve's Bayou made TIME's list of The 25 Most Important Films on Race.
On February 16, 2009, Debbi Morgan
's portrayal of Mozelle Batiste Delacroix was included in Pop Matters' 100 Essential Female Film Performances list.
1997 Chicago Film Critics Association Awards
1997 National Board of Review Awards
1997 San Diego Film Critics Society Awards
1998 Acapulco Black Film Festival
1998 Independent Spirit Awards
1998 NAACP Image Awards
1998 Satellite Awards
1998 Young Artist Awards
1998 YoungStar Awards
Drama film
A drama film is a film genre that depends mostly on in-depth development of realistic characters dealing with emotional themes. Dramatic themes such as alcoholism, drug addiction, infidelity, moral dilemmas, racial prejudice, religious intolerance, poverty, class divisions, violence against women...
written and directed by Kasi Lemmons
Kasi Lemmons
Kasi Lemmons is an American film director and actress, most notable for her work on the films Eve's Bayou, The Caveman's Valentine and Talk to Me....
, who made her directorial debut with this feature. Samuel L. Jackson
Samuel L. Jackson
Samuel Leroy Jackson is an American film and television actor and film producer. After becoming involved with the Civil Rights Movement, he moved on to acting in theater at Morehouse College, and then films. He had several small roles such as in the film Goodfellas before meeting his mentor,...
served as a producer and starred in the film alongside Debbi Morgan
Debbi Morgan
Deborah "Debbi" Morgan is an American film and television actress. She is perhaps best known for her role as Dr. Angie Hubbard on the ABC soap opera All My Children, and for her role as The Seer in the fourth and fifth seasons of Charmed.Morgan joined the cast of The Young and the Restless as...
, Jurnee Smollett
Jurnee Smollett
Jurnee Diana Smollett-Bell is an American actress. She is best known for the role of Jess Merriweather on the critically acclaimed television series Friday Night Lights...
, Lynn Whitfield
Lynn Whitfield
Lynn Whitfield is an American actress.Whitfield began her acting career in television and theatre, before progressing to supporting roles in film. She won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Special and a NAACP Image Award for her performance as Josephine Baker in the...
, and Meagan Good
Meagan Good
Meagan Monique Good is an American film and television actress and occasional film producer. Beginning her career at the age of four, Good has appeared in numerous commercials, television shows, feature films, and music videos....
.
Plot
Eve Batiste (Jurnee SmollettJurnee Smollett
Jurnee Diana Smollett-Bell is an American actress. She is best known for the role of Jess Merriweather on the critically acclaimed television series Friday Night Lights...
) is the youngest daughter of one of Louisiana
Louisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
's most sophisticated and prosperous families. Her father, Louis (Samuel L. Jackson
Samuel L. Jackson
Samuel Leroy Jackson is an American film and television actor and film producer. After becoming involved with the Civil Rights Movement, he moved on to acting in theater at Morehouse College, and then films. He had several small roles such as in the film Goodfellas before meeting his mentor,...
), is the town's highly respected doctor, a man known for his ability to "fix" things – everything except his own family problems and philandering lifestyle. Her mother Roz (Lynn Whitfield
Lynn Whitfield
Lynn Whitfield is an American actress.Whitfield began her acting career in television and theatre, before progressing to supporting roles in film. She won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Special and a NAACP Image Award for her performance as Josephine Baker in the...
) is a southern woman with an affinity for the traditions of Creole
Louisiana Creole people
Louisiana Creole people refers to those who are descended from the colonial settlers in Louisiana, especially those of French and Spanish descent. The term was first used during colonial times by the settlers to refer to those who were born in the colony, as opposed to those born in the Old World...
heritage. But Eve is most like her Aunt Mozelle (Debbi Morgan
Debbi Morgan
Deborah "Debbi" Morgan is an American film and television actress. She is perhaps best known for her role as Dr. Angie Hubbard on the ABC soap opera All My Children, and for her role as The Seer in the fourth and fifth seasons of Charmed.Morgan joined the cast of The Young and the Restless as...
) – impulsive, intuitive, a touch supernatural and possessing the need to know the truth about everything. Over one explosive summer, this young girl uncovers some of her family's most frightening hidden truths, and then tries to bind them together against the tide of tragedy.
Cast
- Jurnee SmollettJurnee SmollettJurnee Diana Smollett-Bell is an American actress. She is best known for the role of Jess Merriweather on the critically acclaimed television series Friday Night Lights...
as Eve Batiste - Debbi MorganDebbi MorganDeborah "Debbi" Morgan is an American film and television actress. She is perhaps best known for her role as Dr. Angie Hubbard on the ABC soap opera All My Children, and for her role as The Seer in the fourth and fifth seasons of Charmed.Morgan joined the cast of The Young and the Restless as...
as Mozelle Batiste Delacroix - Samuel L. JacksonSamuel L. JacksonSamuel Leroy Jackson is an American film and television actor and film producer. After becoming involved with the Civil Rights Movement, he moved on to acting in theater at Morehouse College, and then films. He had several small roles such as in the film Goodfellas before meeting his mentor,...
as Louis Batiste - Lynn WhitfieldLynn WhitfieldLynn Whitfield is an American actress.Whitfield began her acting career in television and theatre, before progressing to supporting roles in film. She won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Special and a NAACP Image Award for her performance as Josephine Baker in the...
as Roz Batiste - Diahann Carroll as Elzora
- Lisa Nicole CarsonLisa Nicole CarsonLisa Nicole Carson is an American actress. She is best known for her work on U.S. television, including supporting roles in NBC's ER and Fox's Ally McBeal...
as Matty Mereaux - Meagan GoodMeagan GoodMeagan Monique Good is an American film and television actress and occasional film producer. Beginning her career at the age of four, Good has appeared in numerous commercials, television shows, feature films, and music videos....
as Cisely Batiste - Roger Guenveur SmithRoger Guenveur SmithRoger Guenveur Smith is an American actor, director, and writer.-Early life:Smith was born in Berkeley, California, the son of Helen Guenveur, a dentist, and Sherman Smith, a judge...
as Lenny Mereaux - Vondie Curtis-HallVondie Curtis-HallVondie Curtis-Hall is an American actor and film director.As an actor, he is best known for his role as Dr. Dennis Hancock on the CBS medical drama Chicago Hope created by David E. Kelley.-Early life:...
as Julian Grayraven - Branford MarsalisBranford MarsalisBranford Marsalis is an American saxophonist, composer and bandleader. While primarily known for his work in jazz as the leader of the Branford Marsalis Quartet, he also performs frequently as a soloist with classical ensembles and has led the group Buckshot LeFonque.-Biography:Marsalis was born...
as Harry - Carol SuttonCarol SuttonCarol Sutton was an American journalist. In 1974 she became the first female managing editor of a major U.S. daily newspaper, The Courier-Journal in Louisville, Kentucky. She was cited as the example of female achievement in journalism when Time named American Women as the 1975 People of the Year...
as Madame Renard - Ethel AylerEthel AylerEthel Ayler is a veteran African-American character actress with a career spanning over five decades.-Biography:Ayler was born in Whistler, Alabama in 1934. In 1957, she made her off-Broadway debut in the Langston Hughes musical, Simply Heavenly...
as Gran Mere - Jake SmollettJake Smollett-Early life and career:Smollett was born in New York City to a family full of actors. Jake Smollett began his career as a baby diaper-model. He got his scripted start on the series Hangin' with Mr. Cooper before starring alongside his five brothers and sisters in their ABC sitcom, On Our Own....
as Poe Batiste - Leonard L. Thomas as Maynard
- Victoria RowellVictoria RowellVictoria "Vicki" Lynn Rowell is an American actress and dancer. She is best known for her portrayal of ballerina-turned-model Drucilla Winters on the CBS daytime drama The Young and the Restless, and medical examiner/pathologist Dr. Amanda Bentley on the CBS drama Diagnosis: Murder...
as Stevie Hobbs
Reception and impact
The film received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with Chicago Sun-TimesChicago Sun-Times
The Chicago Sun-Times is an American daily newspaper published in Chicago, Illinois. It is the flagship paper of the Sun-Times Media Group.-History:The Chicago Sun-Times is the oldest continuously published daily newspaper in the city...
Roger Ebert
Roger Ebert
Roger Joseph Ebert is an American film critic and screenwriter. He is the first film critic to win a Pulitzer Prize for Criticism.Ebert is known for his film review column and for the television programs Sneak Previews, At the Movies with Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert, and Siskel and Ebert and The...
naming it the best film of 1997. CNN
CNN
Cable News Network is a U.S. cable news channel founded in 1980 by Ted Turner. Upon its launch, CNN was the first channel to provide 24-hour television news coverage, and the first all-news television channel in the United States...
's Paul Tatara, Empire
Empire (magazine)
Empire is a British film magazine published monthly by Bauer Consumer Media. From the first issue in July 1989, the magazine was edited by Barry McIlheney and published by Emap. Bauer purchased Emap Consumer Media in early 2008...
, Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly is an American magazine, published by the Time division of Time Warner, that covers film, television, music, broadway theatre, books and popular culture...
, The Hollywood Reporter
The Hollywood Reporter
Formerly a daily trade magazine, The Hollywood Reporter re-launched in late 2010 as a unique hybrid publication serving the entertainment industry and a consumer audience...
, The Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
The Los Angeles Times is a daily newspaper published in Los Angeles, California, since 1881. It was the second-largest metropolitan newspaper in circulation in the United States in 2008 and the fourth most widely distributed newspaper in the country....
, The New York Observer, The New York Times
The New York Times
The New York Times is an American daily newspaper founded and continuously published in New York City since 1851. The New York Times has won 106 Pulitzer Prizes, the most of any news organization...
, TIME
Time (magazine)
Time is an American news magazine. A European edition is published from London. Time Europe covers the Middle East, Africa and, since 2003, Latin America. An Asian edition is based in Hong Kong...
, Variety
Variety (magazine)
Variety is an American weekly entertainment-trade magazine founded in New York City, New York, in 1905 by Sime Silverman. With the rise of the importance of the motion-picture industry, Daily Variety, a daily edition based in Los Angeles, California, was founded by Silverman in 1933. In 1998, the...
, and The Washington Post
The Washington Post
The Washington Post is Washington, D.C.'s largest newspaper and its oldest still-existing paper, founded in 1877. Located in the capital of the United States, The Post has a particular emphasis on national politics. D.C., Maryland, and Virginia editions are printed for daily circulation...
also loudly praised the film and its performances.
Eve's Bayou received a "fresh" rating from Rotten Tomatoes
Rotten Tomatoes
Rotten Tomatoes is a website devoted to reviews, information, and news of films—widely known as a film review aggregator. Its name derives from the cliché of audiences throwing tomatoes and other vegetables at a poor stage performance...
, reporting that 80% of critics gave the film positive reviews, based on 50 reviews. Though not nominated for any Academy Awards
Academy Awards
An Academy Award, also known as an Oscar, is an accolade bestowed by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to recognize excellence of professionals in the film industry, including directors, actors, and writers...
, the film did receive many accolades. Debbi Morgan
Debbi Morgan
Deborah "Debbi" Morgan is an American film and television actress. She is perhaps best known for her role as Dr. Angie Hubbard on the ABC soap opera All My Children, and for her role as The Seer in the fourth and fifth seasons of Charmed.Morgan joined the cast of The Young and the Restless as...
's performance would be her most honored film role, with four nominations and two wins. The film is also noted for Jurnee Smollett
Jurnee Smollett
Jurnee Diana Smollett-Bell is an American actress. She is best known for the role of Jess Merriweather on the critically acclaimed television series Friday Night Lights...
's performance; up to this point, she had worked primarily as a TV actress, with Jack being her only previous film.
In February 2008, Eve's Bayou made TIME's list of The 25 Most Important Films on Race.
On February 16, 2009, Debbi Morgan
Debbi Morgan
Deborah "Debbi" Morgan is an American film and television actress. She is perhaps best known for her role as Dr. Angie Hubbard on the ABC soap opera All My Children, and for her role as The Seer in the fourth and fifth seasons of Charmed.Morgan joined the cast of The Young and the Restless as...
's portrayal of Mozelle Batiste Delacroix was included in Pop Matters' 100 Essential Female Film Performances list.
Accolades
1997 Broadcast Film Critics Association AwardsBroadcast Film Critics Association Awards 1997
The 3rd Critics' Choice Awards given by the Broadcast Film Critics Association on 20 January 1998 honored the finest achievements in 1997 filmmaking.-Top 10 Films:#Amistad#As Good as It Gets#Boogie Nights...
- Best Child Performance – Jurnee SmollettJurnee SmollettJurnee Diana Smollett-Bell is an American actress. She is best known for the role of Jess Merriweather on the critically acclaimed television series Friday Night Lights...
(winner)
1997 Chicago Film Critics Association Awards
Chicago Film Critics Association Awards 1997
The 10th Chicago Film Critics Association Awards, given on 1 March 1998, honored the finest achievements in 1997 filmmaking.-Winners:*Best Actor:**Robert Duvall - The Apostle*Best Actress:**Judi Dench - Mrs. Brown*Best Cinematography:...
- Best Supporting Actress – Debbi MorganDebbi MorganDeborah "Debbi" Morgan is an American film and television actress. She is perhaps best known for her role as Dr. Angie Hubbard on the ABC soap opera All My Children, and for her role as The Seer in the fourth and fifth seasons of Charmed.Morgan joined the cast of The Young and the Restless as...
(winner)
1997 National Board of Review Awards
National Board of Review Awards 1997
The 69th National Board of Review Awards, honoring the best in filmmaking in 1997, were announced on 9 December 1997 and given on 9 February 1998.-Top 10 films:#L.A...
- Outstanding Directorial Debut – Kasi LemmonsKasi LemmonsKasi Lemmons is an American film director and actress, most notable for her work on the films Eve's Bayou, The Caveman's Valentine and Talk to Me....
(winner)
1997 San Diego Film Critics Society Awards
San Diego Film Critics Society Awards 1997
The 2nd San Diego Film Critics Society Awards, given by the San Diego Film Critics Society on 18 December 1997, honored the best in film for 1997.-Winners:*Best Actor:**Jack Nicholson - As Good as It Gets*Best Actress:**Bai Ling - Red Corner...
- Best Supporting Actress – Jurnee Smollett (winner)
1998 Acapulco Black Film Festival
American Black Film Festival
The American Black Film Festival is an independent film festival that focuses primarily on works by Black members of the film industry. It has been called “the nation’s most prominent film festival.” The festival is held annually and features full-length narratives, short films, mobile...
- Best Actor – Samuel L. JacksonSamuel L. JacksonSamuel Leroy Jackson is an American film and television actor and film producer. After becoming involved with the Civil Rights Movement, he moved on to acting in theater at Morehouse College, and then films. He had several small roles such as in the film Goodfellas before meeting his mentor,...
(winner) - Best Director – Kasi Lemmons (winner)
- Best Film (winner)
- Best Soundtrack (nominated)
1998 Independent Spirit Awards
- Best First Feature – Caldecot ChubbCaldecot ChubbCaldecot Chubb is a producer who has produced movies such as the 1997 critically acclaimed drama Eve's Bayou, Hoffa, Unthinkable, The Crow, Dark Blue and Pootie Tang....
, Kasi Lemmons, Samuel L. Jackson (winner) - Best Supporting Female – Debbi Morgan (winner)
1998 NAACP Image Awards
- Outstanding Lead Actor in a Motion Picture – Samuel L. Jackson (nominated)
- Outstanding Lead Actress in a Motion Picture – Lynn WhitfieldLynn WhitfieldLynn Whitfield is an American actress.Whitfield began her acting career in television and theatre, before progressing to supporting roles in film. She won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Special and a NAACP Image Award for her performance as Josephine Baker in the...
(nominated) - Outstanding Motion Picture (nominated)
- Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture – Vondie Curtis-HallVondie Curtis-HallVondie Curtis-Hall is an American actor and film director.As an actor, he is best known for his role as Dr. Dennis Hancock on the CBS medical drama Chicago Hope created by David E. Kelley.-Early life:...
(nominated) - Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture – Debbi Morgan (nominated)
- Outstanding Youth Actor/Actress – Jurnee Smollett (nominated)
- Outstanding Youth Actor/Actress – Meagan GoodMeagan GoodMeagan Monique Good is an American film and television actress and occasional film producer. Beginning her career at the age of four, Good has appeared in numerous commercials, television shows, feature films, and music videos....
(nominated)
1998 Satellite Awards
Satellite Awards
The Satellite Awards are an annual award given by the International Press Academy. The awards were originally known as the Golden Satellite Awards.- Film :*Best Actor – Drama*Best Actor – Musical or Comedy*Best Actress – Drama...
- Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture (Drama) – Samuel L. Jackson (nominated)
- Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture (Drama) – Debbi Morgan (nominated)
- Outstanding Cinematography – Amy Vincent (nominated)
1998 Young Artist Awards
Young Artist Award
The Young Artist Award is an accolade bestowed by the Young Artist Foundation, a non-profit organization founded in 1978 to recognize and award excellence of youth performers, and to provide scholarships for young artists who may be physically and/or financially challenged.The Young Artist...
- Best Performance in a Feature Film (Leading Young Actress) – Jurnee Smollett (nominated)
1998 YoungStar Awards
- Best Performance by a Young Actress in a Drama Film – Jurnee Smollett (nominated)
- Best Performance by a Young Actress in a Drama Film – Meagan Good (nominated)