‘Hateful Eight’ Studio Refuses to Foot BAFTA Travel Bill for Jennifer Jason Leigh

A version of this story first appeared in the Feb. 26 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.

The Hateful Eight’s supporting actress nominee Jennifer Jason Leigh didn’t show up to London’s Royal Opera House for the Feb. 14 BAFTAs — but not because she didn’t want to be there.

Though the film grossed north of $10 million in the U.K. (despite not being shown by three cinema chains due to a squabble over exclusive 70mm showings), it wasn’t enough for local distributor Entertainment Film to pick up Leigh’s travel tab, as is customary. (Or U.S. distributor The Weinstein Co. could have footed the bill as part of its Oscar campaign.)

“In all my years in the business, I’ve never seen this happen,” says an insider.

It is customary for distributors to pay for talent’s travel when it comes to promotional appearances in that territory. Those costs typically include airfare, ground transportation, hotel costs and glam squads as well as guest travel, in some cases. Her absence can be seen as significant in the Oscar race considering that there are estimated to be approximately 500 member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences living in and around London.

“Jennifer is disappointed and would’ve loved to have been there,” says a source close to the actress. Attempts to reach Entertainment Film were unsuccessful.

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