Meghan Markle may be putting the champagne on ice after learning that her pal Misan Harriman’s short film The After has been nominated for an Academy Award.
The nominees for the 2024 Oscars ceremony were announced on Tuesday, with Mr Harriman’s project receiving recognition in the Best Live Action Short Film category.
Following its premiere in August the film has already been awarded with Best Short Film at the Astra Film Awards and the African-American Film Critics Association, and is Mr Harriman’s directorial debut.
The Duchess of Sussex joined Mr Harriman and one of the film’s stars David Oyelowo for a panel discussion in November for LA Tastemakers, where she sported an elegant brown suit.
The Netflix synopsis of The After reads: “After witnessing a violent crime, a shattered rideshare driver picks up a passenger who forces him to confront his grief.”
Mr Harriman is currently Chair of the Southbank Centre and works as an entrepreneur, activist and photographer, famously capturing the only publicly released portrait of Princess Lilibet.
He also took the images released by the family to announce Meghan’s second pregnancy in 2021, after they had left the Royal Family and moved to Montecito.
Talking about his friendship with Meghan and Harry, the director previously said: “When you see people who have the connection that they have, it’s like reading the pages of a book. Meg reminded me that had I not introduced her to a mutual friend then she wouldn’t have met Harry. I’m grateful for whatever small part I played.”
Prince Harry too was awarded at a glitzy ceremony last Friday in Beverly Hills, as he was honoured as a Living Legend of Aviation by host John Travolta.
The iconic actor has a touching link with the Duke, as he famously danced with Harry’s late mother Princess Diana at the White House in 1985.
A source told the Mirror about the event: “John has felt that her [Diana’s] sons have continued her legacy and drive for charity.
“So, Harry having this platform to celebrate his achievements means so much to him. John and Harry uniting will be another memorable night.”
Yet some questioned why Harry was being given such an award at all, following his two tours of Afghanistan and his founding of the Invictus Games.
Royal commentator Robert Jobson said: “I think the idea that Prince Harry is getting an award for being a Living Legend of Aviation seems a bit daft.
“He’s hardly Chuck Yeager or Amelia Earhart, is he? It devalues the world legend. He fought very bravely in Afghanistan and served two tours of duty as a helicopter pilot.
“I think it says more about the award system than it does about his status as an aviation legend.”
