**FREE** PH Awards: GLADIATOR II

Triumphantly returning to the arena after nearly 25 years away, Ridley Scott has crafted another epic spectacle with GLADIATOR II. Working with a screenplay from David Scarpa that successfully fuses history with big cinematic dazzle, Scott’s latest ups the ante and insanity from the first while retaining its heart and soul. An exquisitely-paced extravaganza (largely thanks to master editors Claire Simpson and Sam Restivo) featuring standout performances from a Paul Mescal led powerhouse ensemble featuring Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, Connie Nielsen and scenery-devouring acting from Denzel Washington, GLADIATOR II delivers the goods and then some, making the quarter-century wait more than worth it.

Sponsored by Paramount Pictures

David Scarpa is a screenwriter best known for GLADIATOR II, NAPOLEON, ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD, THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL (2008), and THE LAST CASTLE. He also served as co-showrunner on the fourth season of THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE (for which he also wrote).

Sam Restivo is a film editor best known for GLADIATOR II and NAPOLEON.