Emma (1996 theatrical film)

Emma is a 1996 period romantic comedy film based on the 1815 novel of the same name by Jane Austen. Written and directed by Douglas McGrath, and produced by Steven Haft and Patrick Cassavetti, the film stars Gwyneth Paltrow as the eponymous lead, alongside Toni Collette, Alan Cumming, Ewan McGregor, Jeremy Northam, Greta Scacchi, Juliet Stevenson and Polly Walker.

Set in early 19th-century England, the story follows Emma Woodhouse, a wealthy and self-assured young woman who enjoys trying matchmaking among her friends and neighbors, but risks overlooking her own chance at love in the process.

Emma premiered on 7 June 1996 at the Seattle International Film Festival and was released theatrically on 2 August 1996 in the United States by Miramax Films, followed by a United Kingdom release on 13 September 1996 by Buena Vista International. It received positive reviews from critics and grossed approximately $37.3 million worldwide at the box office.

At the 69th Academy Awards, Emma won Best Original Musical or Comedy Score, while also being nominated for Best Costume Design. Moreover, Paltrow's performance earned her the Satellite Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture.