Everybody Digs Bill Evans (film)
| Everybody Digs Bill Evans | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Grant Gee |
| Screenplay by | Mark O’Halloran |
| Based on | Intermission by Owen Martell |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Piers McGrail |
| Edited by | Adam Biskupski |
| Music by | Roger Goula |
Production companies |
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Release date |
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Running time | 102 minutes[1] |
| Countries |
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| Language | English |
Everybody Digs Bill Evans is a 2026 biographical drama film directed by Grant Gee, written by Mark O’Halloran and based on the novel Intermission by Owen Martell. It follows the legendary musician Bill Evans (Anders Danielsen Lie). It also stars Bill Pullman, Barry Ward, Laurie Metcalf, Valene Kane and Katie McGrath.
The film had its world premiere at the main competition of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival on 13 February 2026, where it won the Silver Bear for Best Director.[2]
Premise
In June 1961 in New York City, jazz pianist Bill Evans is playing with what he considers his perfect musical trio. However, following the tragic death of his bass player Scott LaFaro, Evans is traumatized by grief and unsure whether he can continue playing.[3][4]
Cast
- Anders Danielsen Lie as Bill Evans[5]
- Bill Pullman as Harry Evans
- Barry Ward as Harry Evans Junior
- Laurie Metcalf as Mary Evans
- Valene Kane as Ellaine Schultz
- Katie McGrath as Pat Evans
Production
The film is directed by Grant Gee from a screenplay by Mark O’Halloran and based on the book Intermission by Owen Martell. Producers on the film include Janine Marmot for Hot Property Films, and Alan Maher for Cowtown Pictures. The film is shot partially on 16mm and in black and white, and had support from the BFI and Screen Ireland.[6][7]
It stars Anders Danielsen Lie, Bill Pullman and Barry Ward as well as Laurie Metcalf, Valene Kane and Katie McGrath.[6][8]
Principal photography took place in County Cork from May 2025.[9][8]
Release
Breakout Pictures bought distribution rights for the UK and Ireland in May 2025.[8] It premiered at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival.[10] and at the Dublin film festival [11]
References
- ^ "Everybody Digs Bill Evans (2026)". Irish Film Classification Office. February 3, 2026. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
- ^ Lodge, Guy (February 21, 2026). "Berlin Film Festival: İlker Çatak's 'Yellow Letters' Wins Golden Bear for Best Film (Full List of Winners)". Variety. Retrieved February 21, 2026.
- ^ Szalai, George (February 13, 2026). "'Everybody Digs Bill Evans' Director on Exploring a Jazz Legend and How Grief Blocks Creativity". hollywoodreporter.com. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
- ^ "Break Out Pictures acquires Everybody Digs Bill Evans for Ireland/UK Distribution". Iftn.ie. May 15, 2025. Archived from the original on December 3, 2025. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
- ^ "Everybody Digs Bill Evans | Berlinale". www.berlinale.de. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
- ^ a b Wiseman, Andreas (October 28, 2024). "Anders Danielsen Lie, Bill Pullman & Laurie Metcalf To Star In 'Everybody Digs Bill Evans' About Seminal Jazz Pianist; Mister Smith & CAA Media Finance Launching For AFM". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on June 13, 2025. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
- ^ Tabbara, Mona (December 17, 2022). "UK's Hot Property Films sets slate, Anders Danielsen Lie joins 'Everybody Digs Bill Evans' (exclusive)". Screen Daily. Archived from the original on November 23, 2025. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
- ^ a b c Tabbara, Mona (May 14, 2025). "Everybody Digs Bill Evans' picked up for UK-Ireland". Screen Daily. Archived from the original on November 27, 2025. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
- ^ "'Cork is on the cusp of something': Local film professionals launch new collective". Irish Examiner. May 23, 2025. Archived from the original on July 20, 2025. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
- ^ Keslassy, Elsa; Shafer, Ellise (January 20, 2026). "Berlin Film Festival Full Lineup: 'Rosebush Pruning' Starring Riley Keough and Callum Turner, Channing Tatum's 'Josephine' and More". Variety. Retrieved January 20, 2026.
- ^ Szalai, Georg (January 27, 2026). "Dublin Fest Unveils Lineup Featuring Colin Farrell, Bill Nighy, and World Premieres of 17 Irish Films". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 3, 2026.