Radiant Emma Mackey and Spectacular Jamie Lee Curtis: James L. Brooks on Ella McCay Actors

For James L. Brooks, working with actors isn’t just a necessary part of being a filmmaker, it’s the reason he loves the gig. “It’s what I do,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. “Working with actors is why I am there. I care about it.” The veteran writer, director, producer and showrunner has six decades of experience at it. The award-winning 85-year-old — he owns three Oscars, a historic 22 Emmys, a Golden Globe and honors from the DGA, PGA and WGA — is responsible for some beloved classics like Terms of Endearment, Broadcast News and As Good as it Gets (in addition to that little animated TV show called The Simpsons) and he’s got a new entry heading to theaters Dec. 12 in Ella McCay from 20th Century Studios. It casts Emma Mackey as the title character in the story of what happens when she becomes governor of her home state in a surprise twist at 34 years old. The early days of her tenure grow quite complicated due to navigating intense family dynamics with her husband, father and brother leading to unexpected consequences. Mackey stars with Jamie Lee Curtis, Woody Harrelson, Albert Brooks, Jack Lowden, Julie Kavner, Spike Fearn, Rebecca Hall, Kumail Nanjiani and Ayo Edebiri. During the film’s junket at Maybourne Beverly Hills, Brooks managed to heap praise on 10 of his actors in 10 minutes.

Emma Mackey as Ella McCay

“I knew her work a little from Sex Education, and we met during a long hunt to find the actor to play the title role. We looked everywhere, and I was auditioning for a long time. I went to London and that’s where I first saw her. She did a monologue from the movie, and I knew. There’s a radiance to her.”

Jamie Lee Curtis as Ella McCay’s Aunt Helen

“The truth is, she’s exactly who you hope she is. And what you think you see, that’s who she is. She has this sense about her and it carries across to everybody, from the crew to her co-stars. Everybody is equal. There’s a humanism that is just in her and it carries over to the work spirit. She’s a spectacular human and she’s earned that. She wasn’t born with it. She lived her life and came out of her life with that. She’s one of the best people I’ve ever known in my life.”

Woody Harrelson as Ella McCay’s Father Eddie

“He’s an old friend. I’ve known him since before Cheers, and we’ve remained pals over the years. He was one of the first people that I reached out to for this because he works a lot. His enthusiasm is unfailing, and so is his spirit. He brings the commitment and the fun to work. He’s playing a different kind of guy on this movie but he was a joy.”

Albert Brooks as Outgoing Governor Bill

“Albert and I go back forever. He’s been a pal forever, and God knows he’s one of the funniest people on the planet. He’s also a terrific actor.”

Spike Fearn as Casey McCay

“He’s a natural. He was 22 when he auditioned and he infused the material with his own sense of being to make all the scenes original. When you watch him, you feel like you’ve never seen anything like it before because you’ve never seen anyone like him before. He’s remarkably talented as such a young age, and I hope that Hollywood doesn’t sent that absolute innocence that he has for a long time.”

Ayo Edebiri as Casey’s Girlfriend Susan

“I’d seen her work on The Bear and she’s great. She comes from improv so she’s fantastic to work with. Suddenly in the middle of the scene, she can change the rhythm to create a different feeling. It’s really interesting. She’s great.”

Julie Kavner as Ella McCay’s Assistant

“I’ve known her since she was 19. She was on Rhoda and she killed on it. She’s been Marge Simpson forever. She’s singular, original and a comic force.”

Jack Lowden as Ella McCay’s Husband

“I haven’t had a puppy for a while but working with Jack Lowden is a bit like that. He’s a director’s dream. Working with someone like him is part of the richness of the work. We’re about to do a scene so we talk about it, exchange ideas and I explain what I want. I barely get through a sentence and he’s off doing it. He loves the work, he gets the joke, and he’s there for you the entire time. He’s got the spirit, and he’s killer in the film.”

Kumail Nanjiani as Trooper Nash

“He had to do some tough stuff because his scenes call for somebody who you might almost see as an extra in the early parts of the film because he’s not talking or doing much. But then he has his moments when his character shows up for work. And because he’s a stand-up, he nails it.”

Rebecca Hall as Ella McCay’s Mother

“She’s royalty, in a way. Her father was director of the National Theatre in England and she’s one of the great beauties. She’s in the opening scene of the film and she’s so soulful. She has a scene that could end some movies but it opens here and she makes a strong impression.”

Interview edited for length and clarity.