BEST TV MOVIE
Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas (NBC)
Previous critic-proof Dolly Christmas specials were nominated in 2017, 2020 and 2021 (2021’s won). Given her popularity (there’s a reason her name is in the title), this one, shot in Dollywood with Willie Nelson among the guests, should also get a nomination.
Prey (Hulu)
The fifth installment of the Predator franchise, a $65 million prequel, debuted at Comic-Con, registered 93 percent on RT and attracted more views in its first three days than any other Hulu offering ever en route to Best TV Movie Critics Choice and Producers Guild nominations.
Reno 911!: It’s a great heist (Comedy Central)
The same gang from the series that ended in 2009 hope their third spin-off movie will be the second to garner a nomination (after 2022’s Reno 911!: The Hunt for QAnon). It’s a Christmas parody It’s a great lifewith Lt. Dangle in the Jimmy Stewart role.
Island of Fire (Hulu)
This $10 million gay rom-com version Pride and prejudice stars Joel Kim Booster, who also wrote it. It was released during Pride Month of 2022, scored 94 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, received a Producers Guild nomination for Best TV Movie, and received a Special Ensemble Tribute at the Gotham Awards.
Reality (HBO/Max)
Tina Satter’s directorial debut, starring Sydney Sweeney in her first screen role, is a word-for-word reenactment of the FBI’s interrogation of leaker Reality Winner. It premiered at the Berlin Film Fest, has a perfect RT rating, and was one of the last films to come out before the entry period closed.
Strange: The Story of Al Yankovic (Roku channel)
Daniel Radcliffe plays “Weird Al” Yankovic, who co-wrote this installment of the musical biopic with director Eric Appel. It premiered at the Toronto Film Festival and went on to win Best TV Movie at Critics Choice and the Producers Guild Awards.
This story first appeared in a standalone June issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
