Following in the footsteps of Oscar-nominated boxing coaches Paul Giamatti in "Cinderella Man" and Burgess Meredith in "Rocky," Brian Tyree Henry could win another Oscar for his standout performance as Jason Crutchfield in the uplifting and inspirational drama "The Fire Inside." Henry plays the coach who trains Claressa Shields, the first female boxer to win an Olympic gold medal.
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The film, produced by Amazon MGM, had its world premiere Saturday afternoon at the Toronto International Film Festival to a sold-out crowd. Debut actress Rachel Morrison, who made history as the first woman nominated for an Academy Award for cinematography with Mudbound (2017), introduced the film. She later took part in a post-screening Q&A with producer Elishia Holmes, writer and producer Barry Jenkins, and stars Ryan Destiny and Henry. Also in attendance were the real Claressa Shields and her coach, Jason Crutchfield.
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"It was very surreal," Shields told the crowd. "I don't know if you could see it, but I cried my eyes out. It was very moving and very motivating. When you see it, it's different. I'm happy for the world to see my story and understand who I am and why I'm the greatest woman of all time."
