The Only Girl in the Orchestra
2023 documentary short film by Molly O'Brien
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The Only Girl in the Orchestra is a 2023 American musical documentary short film directed by Molly O'Brien. It had its world premiere on November 9, 2023, at Doc NYC (SHORTS: SHE STORIES section).[1] It was released globally on December 4, 2024, by Netflix.[2] The film won Best Documentary Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards.[3]
- Molly O'Brien
- Lisa Remington
- Martina Radwan
| The Only Girl in the Orchestra | |
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Netflix release poster | |
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| Edited by |
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| Music by | Laura Karpman |
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| Distributed by | Netflix |
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Running time | 35 minutes |
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| Language | English |
Summary
Orin O'Brien, a double bassist, became the New York Philharmonic's first female musician in 1966, hired by Leonard Bernstein. Now 87 and recently retired, she reflects on her remarkable career, valuing a quiet, supportive role for loved ones and students. The documentary by her niece, Molly O'Brien, highlights Orin's impact and her belief that fulfillment lies in embracing a secondary role.
Cast
- Orin O'Brien as herself
- Carlos Barriento as himself
- Leonard Bernstein as himself (archival footage)
Release
The film was showcased in the Vail Film Festival on December 9, 2023.[4] In April 2024, the film was showcased at the 26th RiverRun International Film Festival.[5] In June 2024, it was featured in the Shorts Program: One-of-a-Kind of DC/DOX.[6][7][8]
The film was showcased at the Doc NYC on November 14, 2024, in the Short List shorts, Extraordinary People.[9][10]
Reception
Accolades
| Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Film Festival | April 25, 2024 | Best Short Documentary | The Only Girl in the Orchestra | Won | [12] |
| Critics' Choice Documentary Awards | November 10, 2024 | Best Short Documentary | Won | [13] | |
| Cinema Eye Honors | January 9, 2025 | Outstanding Non-Fiction Short | Shortlisted | [14] | |
| Academy Awards | March 2, 2025 | Best Documentary Short Film | Molly O'Brien and Lisa Remington | Won | [15][16][17] |
See also
- Submissions for Best Documentary Short Academy Award
- Maestro (2023 Bradley Cooper biopic about Leonard Bernstein)
