EE Rising Star Nominee Marisa Abela Shines Amid 'Back to Black' Biopic Uproar
Marisa Abela Steps Into the Spotlight as Amy Winehouse
When Marisa Abela took on the daunting challenge of playing Amy Winehouse in Back to Black, everyone in the industry had their eyes on her. The stakes were high—Winehouse isn’t just a musical legend, she’s a cultural icon, with a legacy marred by both incredible talent and intensely public personal struggles. Sam Taylor-Johnson’s direction promised to offer a fresh look at Amy’s turbulent yet brilliant climb to stardom. Abela dove into the role headfirst, even spending months with vocal coaches to get Winehouse’s signature sound just right. Every performance in the film, from smoky club scenes to emotional breakdowns, features Abela’s own voice—no lip syncing.
This level of dedication didn’t go unnoticed. Chat with anyone who watched the movie and you’ll hear buzz about how much Abela poured herself into the part, tackling everything from Amy’s quirky North London accent to her raw stage presence. Even critics who weren’t sold on the film itself admitted that Abela’s take on the jazz-soul diva was brave and, at times, uncanny. She did more than wear the beehive and eyeliner—she tried to capture the spirit of Winehouse in her prime, before everything unraveled.
Controversy and Recognition Collide
Back to Black sparked heated debates right from its premiere. Some viewers loved the way it paid homage to Winehouse’s music, using fan-favorite tracks like “Rehab” and “Back to Black” to fuel the story. Others, though, questioned whether the movie leaned too heavily into Amy’s personal demons, especially her infamous relationship with Blake Fielder-Civil. The film pulls no punches, showing their toxic dynamic and Winehouse’s battles with addiction—a creative choice that drew both praise for honesty and backlash for possibly leaning into sensationalism.
There was also talk about how the movie handled the role of Amy’s grandmother, Cynthia, seen as a stabilizing figure in Winehouse’s life. Taylor-Johnson and Abela both highlighted the importance of this relationship, using it as an emotional anchor throughout the story. Yet, for some fans and critics alike, the focus on tragedy seemed to outweigh the celebration of her artistry.
Amid all this noise, Abela’s name started popping up everywhere. The attention wasn’t just about the drama on screen but the guts it takes to step into such a polarizing role. The EE Rising Star Award—a prize previously won by future heavyweights like Jack O’Connell and Letitia Wright—feels like a nod to that boldness. To get nominated for this honor, you’ve got to turn heads, spark conversations, and stand out from the crowd, especially when tackling a story as loaded as Winehouse’s.
So now, as the debates rumble on about whether Marisa Abela and her team got it right with Amy’s story, there’s no denying that this is a breakout moment. Regardless of which side you’re on, the industry is watching her closely. Abela’s fearless leap into Amy’s world, flaws, heartache, and all, has put her on the map in a way few performances do.