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January 25, 2026
‘Utterly overwhelmed’: British writer-director’s short film earns Oscar nod
Lee Knight says accolade for A Friend of Dorothy, based on friendship with neighbour, sends message to never give up

TL;DR
- Lee Knight's short film "A Friend of Dorothy" is nominated for an Oscar.
- The 22-minute film is an intergenerational story about loneliness and friendship.
- It stars Miriam Margolyes as Dorothy and Alistair Nwachukwu as a young neighbor named JJ.
- The film was inspired by Knight's friendship with his elderly neighbor, Shirley Woodham.
- The title "A Friend of Dorothy" is a coded reference used by gay people during persecution.
- Stephen Daldry served as the film's executive producer.
- The charity Age UK supports the production, highlighting the reality of loneliness for many older people.
- Filmmakers plan to extend the film's reach to schools and care homes.
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