Dido Elizabeth Bell, the illegitimate, mixed-race daughter of a Royal Navy admiral, plays an important role in the campaign to abolish slavery in England.
Acting
Gugu Mbatha-Raw's luminous, restrained performance—every glance speaks volumes.
Costume
Gowns that telegraph power; Dido's yellow dress is basically a character.
Writing
Miriam Petrov's script finds the human story inside the historical landmark.
Director
Amma Asante
Gugu Mbatha-Raw
Dido Elizabeth Belle
Tom Wilkinson
Lord Mansfield
Sam Reid
John Davinier
Emily Watson
Lady Mansfield
Sarah Gadon
Lady Elizabeth Murray
Miranda Richardson
Lady Ashford
Penelope Wilton
Lady Mary Murray
Tom Felton
James Ashford
James Norton
Oliver Ashford
Matthew Goode
Captain Sir John Lindsay
Alex Jennings
Lord Ashford
James Northcote
Mr. Vaughn
Alan McKenna
Harry
Andrew Woodall
Lord Mayor
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The real Dido Elizabeth Belle's portrait hangs at Scone Palace—the only known 18th-century painting of a Black aristocrat and white equal.
Director Amma Asante fought to make this after studios insisted on a white lead; she refused for 12 years.
GB
