Napoleon (2023 film)

Napoleon
Theatrical release poster
Directed byRidley Scott
Written byDavid Scarpa
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyDariusz Wolski
Edited by
Music byMartin Phipps
Production
companies
Distributed by
Release dates
  • November 14, 2023 (2023-11-14) (Salle Pleyel)
  • November 22, 2023 (2023-11-22) (United States and United Kingdom)
Running time
  • 157 minutes
  • 205 minutes (Director's cut)
Countries
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$130–200 million
Box office$221.4 million

Napoleon is a 2023 epic war film co-produced and directed by Ridley Scott from a screenplay by David Scarpa. Based on the life of Napoleon and primarily depicting his rise to power, as well as his relationship with his wife, Joséphine, it stars Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon and Vanessa Kirby as Joséphine.

In October 2020, Scott announced Napoleon as his next project. Following delays and recastings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, filming began in February 2022 in England, lasting several months. In addition to writer David Scarpa, frequent Scott collaborators included cinematographer Dariusz Wolski and editor Claire Simpson.

Napoleon premiered at Salle Pleyel in Paris on November 14, 2023, and was released in the United States and United Kingdom on November 22 by Columbia Pictures (via Sony Pictures Releasing) before streaming on Apple TV+ on March 1, 2024. The film grossed $221.4 million worldwide and received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the battle sequences and performances but criticized its uneven tone, rushed pacing, and lack of historical accuracy. At the 96th Academy Awards, the film received nominations for Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, and Best Visual Effects.