# Four Weddings and a Funeral

> 1994 film by Mike Newell

**Wikidata**: [Q901213](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q901213)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Weddings_and_a_Funeral)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/four-weddings-and-a-funeral

## Summary
Four Weddings and a Funeral is a 1994 romantic comedy-drama film directed by Mike Newell. Produced by Working Title Films and PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, it premiered in multiple countries throughout 1994 and received notable awards, including the César Award for Best Foreign Film. The film is celebrated for its blend of humor and emotional depth, solidifying its place in the romantic comedy genre.

## Key Facts
- **Release Dates**: Premiered in multiple countries between January 20, 1994, and September 9, 1994, with specific dates including March 11 (UK), April 15 (US), and June 3 (France).
- **Production Companies**: Produced by Working Title Films (established 1983, UK-based) and PolyGram Filmed Entertainment (active 1975–1999, UK/US).
- **Genres**: Classified as both a romantic comedy and a drama film.
- **Awards**: Won the César Award for Best Foreign Film (France, established 1976) and was nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Film (UK).
- **Cultural Origin**: A product of the United Kingdom, a nation formally established in 1927 via the Royal and Parliamentary Titles Act.
- **Recognition**: Included in the National Board of Review’s Top Ten Films (US, established 1929).

## FAQs
- **What genre is Four Weddings and a Funeral?**  
  It is primarily a romantic comedy but also incorporates elements of drama, making it a hybrid of the two genres.

- **Who produced the film?**  
  The film was produced by Working Title Films (a UK-based company founded in 1983) and PolyGram Filmed Entertainment (a British-American studio active from 1975 to 1999).

- **Did the film win any major awards?**  
  Yes, it won the César Award for Best Foreign Film in France and was nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Film in the UK.

- **Where and when was it released?**  
  The film premiered in multiple countries across 1994, including the UK (March 11), US (April 15), and France (June 3), with staggered releases through September.

- **Why is the UK significant to the film?**  
  The film is a product of the UK, reflecting the country’s cinematic contributions, and its release coincided with the UK’s rich history as a nation formalized in 1927.

## Why It Matters
Four Weddings and a Funeral is a landmark film in the romantic comedy genre, renowned for its witty dialogue and nuanced exploration of relationships. Its critical acclaim, including the prestigious César Award, underscores its cross-cultural appeal. The film’s success bolstered the reputation of Working Title Films and PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, contributing to the UK’s prominence in 1990s cinema. As a cultural artifact, it captures the emotional and comedic rhythms of British life, ensuring its enduring relevance in film studies and popular culture.

## Notable For
- **Awards**: Winner of the César Award for Best Foreign Film and nominee for the BAFTA Award for Best Film.
- **Genre Innovation**: Successfully blended romantic comedy and drama, influencing later films in both genres.
- **Cultural Ambassadorship**: Highlighted UK storytelling and humor, resonating internationally and reinforcing the UK’s cinematic identity.
- **Historical Context**: Released in the same year the UK celebrated 67 years of formal nationhood (since 1927), reflecting its evolving cultural landscape.

## Body

### Production and Release
Four Weddings and a Funeral was produced by **Working Title Films** (founded in 1983, headquartered in London) and **PolyGram Filmed Entertainment** (active from 1975 to 1999, with UK/US operations). The film debuted in the UK on March 11, 1994, followed by releases in the US (April 15), France (June 3), and other countries, concluding its rollout in September 1994. This staggered release strategy maximized its global reach.

### Genres and Style
Classified as both a **romantic comedy** and a **drama film**, the movie balances humor and emotional depth. Its dual genre classification distinguishes it from more formulaic comedies, appealing to audiences seeking layered storytelling.

### Awards and Recognition
The film’s critical success is marked by:
- **César Award for Best Foreign Film** (France, established 1976), recognizing its appeal beyond the UK.
- **BAFTA Award for Best Film** nomination (UK), affirming its domestic acclaim.
- Inclusion in the **National Board of Review’s Top Ten Films** (US, established 1929), highlighting its international impact.

### Cultural and Historical Context
As a UK production, the film reflects the nation’s cinematic identity shaped by its formal establishment in 1927 (Royal and Parliamentary Titles Act). Its 1994 release coincided with the UK’s continued influence in global cinema, leveraging the resources of UK-based production companies like Working Title Films.

### Legacy
The film’s achievement in securing awards from France (César) and the US (National Board of Review) underscores its universal themes. Its production by PolyGram Filmed Entertainment—a studio active during a pivotal era for British-American cinema—further contextualizes its transatlantic success. By blending genres and securing cross-cultural recognition, Four Weddings and a Funeral remains a reference point for romantic comedies and a testament to 1990s UK film production.

## References

1. [Source](https://europeanfilmawards.eu/en_EN/film/four-weddings-and-a-funeral.5373)
2. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
3. [Source](https://www.europeanfilmacademy.org/1994.110.0.html)
4. The Movie Database
5. Four Weddings and a Funeral. Rotten Tomatoes
6. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109831/releaseinfo)
7. [IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109831/releaseinfo)
8. [Source](http://www.sfi.se/sv/svensk-filmdatabas/Item/?itemid=19532&type=MOVIE&iv=Basic)
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. europeanfilmawards.eu
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15. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
16. [Source](http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=101286.html)
17. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
18. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/85275)
19. [Source](http://www.mecd.gob.es/cultura-mecd/areas-cultura/cine/industria-cine/calificacion/calificacion-por-meses.html)
20. Bechdel Test Movie List
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22. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/EB97-70CD-866B-FE2C-A8D4-P)
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24. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/84601)
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28. FilmVandaag.nl