The film swept the board at the Oscars and is on Film 4 on Christmas Day
08:00, 25 Dec 2025Updated 08:20, 25 Dec 2025
The 2017 drama stars Frances McDormand
It was the unexpected sleeper hit which swept the board at the Oscars and made a huge star of its leading lady and now the movie will be shown in Film 4 on Christmas Day.
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missoouri, was a crime drama with a difference. It tells the harrowing story of a mother, Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand) who takes on a personal crusade against the police force for failing to catch her daughter’s murderer. Set in the fictional town of Ebbing, Missouri, and set seven months after the brutal rape and murder, Mildred hires three huge billboards calling out the authorities for their lack of action in the case.
The film was a huge box office success, making a massive $162million. It also won over critics with five BAFTA wins, four Golden Globes and a massive seven Academy Award nominations. McDormand won the Oscar for Best Actress while Sam Rockwell pick up the gong for Best Supporting Actor. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missoouri also won the Oscar for Best Picture.
Sam Rockwell, left, and Frances McDormand in a scene from Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
In her inspiring acceptance speech, McDormand called for greater inclusion in the movie industry. She said: “Okay, look around everybody. Look around, ladies and gentlemen, because we all have stories to tell and projects we need financed. I have two words to leave with you tonight, ladies and gentlemen: inclusion rider.”
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missoouri has an impressive 90 percent approval rating on movie review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes. One review said: “Don’t read any spoilers, don’t think about the plot, don’t even watch the trailer if you can: just get yourself a ticket and go see this film. I guarantee it will be one of the best movies you will see this year.”
Another added: “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri is not for the faint of heart. The films comedic undertone over such a serious subject may rub casual filmgoers the wrong way. However, the film is one of the years smartest, funniest, and best.”
The cast of Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri(Image:
GETTY
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Fans also heaped praise on the film. One wrote on Rotten Tomatoes: “No notes. Literally my favorite movie I’ve ever seen. I saw this 4 months ago and haven’t shut up about yet. Go watch it. Another added: “One of my favourite films… Possibly ever! This film is heartbreaking, but also beautiful and comic. In my humble opinion an absolute must see film of recent years!”
Meanwhile a third said: “This movie has everything. The comedy, the tragedy, the plot, the twists, the acting, all amazing!” And a fourth had nothing but praise for the cast, director Martin McDonagh, and plot. They said: “It’s wonderful and weird and brilliant. In fact, it might be Martin McDonagh’s best, and I don’t say that lightly.”
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missoouri is on Film 4 at 11.40pm on Christmas Day, December 25.
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