King's Speech, The

The King's Speech took home the top Oscars® for Best Picture, Best Actor (Colin Firth), Best Director (Tom Hooper), and Best Original Screenplay (David Seidler). After the death of his father King George V (Gambon), and the scandalous abdication of his brother King Edward VIII (Pearce), Bertie (Firth)—who has suffered from a debilitating speech impediment all his life—is suddenly crowned King George VI of England. With his country on the brink of war and in desperate need of a leader, his wife, Elizabeth (Carter), the future Queen Mother, arranges for her husband to see an eccentric speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Rush). After a rough start, the two delve into an unorthodox course of treatment and eventually forge a genuine friendship. Through this unexpected bond, the new monarch will overcome his stammer, to find his voice, inspire his people, and rally the world. (Gary Reber)