Actress Marisa Abela on Becoming Amy Winehouse in 'Back To Black' Movie | This Morning

She was a music icon, and one of the greatest female songwriters of all time. Now the story of Amy Winehouse’s life, and incredible talent is being retold in big screen biopic ‘Back To Black’ - but what was it like for actress Marisa Abela stepping into those huge shoes and donning that notorious beehive? Marisa joins us live in the studio today to talk about the daunting challenges playing a cultural icon, the real villain in Amy’s story, and why this film aims to celebrate the very best of a music legend.
Broadcast on 11/04/2024
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[@rosemimi973]

I saw it and there are scenes where you could swear it is Amy on screen for a second. Marisa did her justice.

[@amieewoodstock6978]

So glad you said that! She captured Amy’s spirit x

[@markwilkinson-cw2sy]

I agree with you. Even though she doesn’t look identical something in those scenes made her look exactly like her. It must have been the acting. She was amazing

[@jaidenofficial8746]

You need help.

[@funtimefranky]

Agree, even the voice was spot on.

[@TheMomseloc]

​@@jaidenofficial8746What a sad existence you must have to feel so compelled to seek attention through hate.

[@FadGadget1]

The casting agent for the movie deserves an Oscar as Marisa was just superb.

[@petejames415]

Nina, why didn’t you want Amy Dawson coming back in Game of Thrones?

[@giuliosettepassi347]

I didn’t like when Marisa sang sorry 🥺

[@Yogoniogi]

if only she could sing

[@VerisimilitudeFilms1]

Marisa is too pretty to play Amy

[@linamarie84]

Wow. That is astonishing to see.

[@erine387]

I think she portrayed Amy very very well tbh. Her voice, her mannerisms, everything was on point, she did such a good job. I'm really excited to see her in more movies/series, she's really talented!

[@petejames415]

Bennett miller represents everything Sam Taylor Johnson has failed to become in life: good looking, talented and a MAN! Popcorn ready🍿🍿

[@NatzCoverz]

The movie was ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT ❤

[@mihaibujor8109]

Why all the hate??? She did a great great job and her voice is amazing !the movie was great

[@untella5885]

100% agree. cried the whole way through

[@paulelroy6650]

she was great the movie was mediocre at best

[@motivationalspeaker7145]

She was absolutely fantastic! So good, I watched it twice in the cinema!

[@tyhlou3651]

Exactly

[@linamarie84]

Please don't do this. There is a very big distinction between the word dislike and hate. Each word is characterized by the emotion it is fueled with. There is NO "hatred" here. There are many people that do not believe she did Amy Justice and there are many people who did not like the film in general and others who did not like her singing. While yes there are others who do, and like it very much. That doesn't mean that those who do not are being hateful. Every one is entitled to their own opinion in this world. A mere disagreement or dislike does not equate to opinion made with disdain. You are entitled to love it and praise it just as the next person is entitled to dislike it.

[@Caitlinclimatechange]

Great acting nailed her mannerisms. Rest in peace Amy.

saw the film yesterday, and I have to say Marisa is so talented and she is really great in this movie!

[@lolmac6456]

Is everyone else just thinking how much Jack o'connell who played Blake looks like he could be Dermot O'Leary's little brother 😂

[@janeyeaman2397]

Yes I thought that too😊

[@meganoxtoby]

I thought it WAS him 😂😂

[@lolmac6456]

@meganoxtoby me too 🤣🤣

[@CherryDreamer96]

Oh my gosh!!! Yes, I just left the cinema and said that to my mum 😂

[@lolmac6456]

@@CherryDreamer96 🤣🤣🤣🤣 was thinking it all the way through! X

[@ashstonk]

Watched it last night and it got me re listening to all her music again. Marisa was perfect for the job. Thank you ❤❤❤

[@amyforbesadam4007]

Went to watch it last night, wow!!!! She needs to win an award! Brilliant acting!

[@crazybigc6382]

See it today and she played her brilliantly.

[@annegreenwood906]

She was absolutely brilliant in the role and her singing was spot on.

[@user-zy7di5no8x]

Saw it last night, she did a great job

[@avatr7109]

My goodness she's stunning 😮

[@TrottersPad]

She may not look exactly like Amy, but Austin Butler didn't look like Elvis either, yet he played an amazing role, give her a chance folks

[@jazzyj904]

Amy was raw. You’re talking about two white men. Amy had something different and it would’ve been nice for them to really dig deep for that.

[@TrottersPad]

@@jazzyj904 so Elvis wasn't raw talent then drrrrrr , talk about missing the point of the film !!

[@forestdukes7545]

Amy Dawson vs Marisa Arabella karaoke challenge 👑

[@8K9249wok]

@TrottersPad erm Austin Butler did look like Elvis! Obviously he can’t look exactly like him , but he was similar. Meanwhile this actress with her mockery accent was just not believable

[@TrottersPad]

@@8K9249wok Austin Butler looks like Austin Butler, but he portrayed Elvis superbly, also according to his family, according to Amy's ex husband, she portrayed her very well, especially in her mannerisms, so what do you know compared to those who actually knew Amy

[@taurondur]

I just saw it today..great movie and incredibly good performance from Marisa!

[@natashawatkins2126]

Just came home from watching the movie and wow, made me cry 😢 she was a real artist and I'm so happy they bought this to the big screen.

[@alisona8732]

She was brilliant. Very talented

[@roaming.spectre.]

I absolutely fell in love with Amy back in the day, her voice would take you to a special place… All she needed was a hug and someone to care about her…..

[@Sh0cks420]

So many times I just wanted to reach through the screen and just hold her 💔 so feisty but so vulnerable. Her music is very special. Got me through some really hard times. Such a shame she didn't get through hers 😢

[@anitarogers2877]

@This Morning - Marissa Abela is clearly a lovely respectful person and human being. She totally researched everything about Amy Winehouse so as to give her justice in such a film as this representation of her as a person, her life and music. For that reason, Marissa was the perfect actress for this special role. To all those in the comments that are being completely disrespectful to the actress Marissa herself, simply because they are unhappy this film was made at all, be happy and respectful that this calibre of person and talented woman was chosen for this iconic role.

[@SuperRobertoClemente]

I adore her-- she also did a sensational job in "Industry."

[@catrenasanders204]

Wow I cant believe it was really her singing Amys song. Amazing

[@liamclose8779]

I feel an oscar coming here way. She was phenomenal. I loved Amy, my mam is an recovering addict and I just recognized my mam so much in her. The only celebrity death I have cried at

[@MusicalAddictionOnlineLessons]

What a woman, her approach to the role was perfect and it paid off

[@esds]

This movie is really amazing. The singing scenes are so authentic, she finds words and just starts singing. On accapellas moments my jaw droped. And it felt like I am literally seing real Amy, listening to her singing

[@senpai_bree]

just seen the movie and i feel like she did a great job, as much as someone could depict her honestly. i’m glad they did a movie to honor her in a way, she was a beautiful soul. may she be resting. 🕊️

[@jorjevanelle9879]

Watched movie today, good movie, Marisa did a great job! Was in tears many times.

[@paulburton9386]

What a talented and professional performer Marissa is. She'll go far.

[@URFUTUREUK]

😂 lol jokes.

[@motivationalspeaker7145]

She absolutely will. Such an amazing, confident, talented woman! ❤

[@sallyroddy6566]

casting directors should get awards. Marisa is Amy. I am usually such a critic but this time no. I saw Amy live and Marisa had her off to a tee. She had me captured from the beginning. A great talent and wish her the best of luck for the future. I think she''ll win awards for this. love and light

[@londongirl1321]

From 2026 Oscar will award casting directors and I'm sure other award shows will follow suit

[@CWR2024]

Just seen the movie. Incredible actress using her own voice. She really depicted the pure essence of Amy ❤️

[@ellebrr5052]

Marisa Abela really incarnates this role and She played a very tough part like the iconic and legendary Amy, so She deserves a lot and i still have goosebumps thinkin about It. Congrats to Marisa and Amy'd have been amazed and proud of all this 🙏🙏🙏🙏👑👑

[@petejames415]

Can we just start placing that bet on Amy Dawson for Best Actress at the bookies already, I need to get rich🎉

[@skillemeister]

Thank you so much, Marisa!!!!!❤You did such a great job. I love that movie, I love the music and I am very touched. Poor highly talented Amy!!!

[@nasalghul]

She was great in the movie❤

[@sheilacym]

Simply AMAZING ……Marisa definitely deserves an Oscar 🤩🤩💕💕🥳🥳🎉🎉

[@dale4039]

Marisa is a goddess she's painfully gorgeous her smile is killer, I watched the film yesterday and her performance was phenomenal, I'd never heard of Marisa before but after yesterday I'm instant fan of hers

[@takingoverme123]

Marissa done an amazing job I found it quite an emotional film

[@jojokoulermou9978]

SHE NAILED IT.

[@tinkahal6547]

Saw Back to Black yesterday and i thought Marisa, Jack and Eddie all did superbly in their roles. Such a tragic outcome of a very gifted and talented artist.

[@roaming.spectre.]

Amy was other worldly, I loved her dearly and miss her a lot.😢

[@ef9217]

She did an amazing job!

[@amieewoodstock6978]

@Woodstock3211: She was incredible in this film. The Grammy speech was spot on! All of Amy’s mannerisms she smashed and moves on stage were haunting to see. I was mesmerised the whole way through. Well done, Marisa! I could feel Amy in the auditorium, tonight. ❤

[@shaka7594]

She was fantastic as Amy, Film is brilliant!

[@Nailyboy1970]

Just seen the movie, Marisa should get an Oscar for this performance. 👏 beautiful!

[@shellsmith6986]

She played the part of Amy 💯 percent brilliant

[@adriansal3524]

She did so good

[@adamlarsson3828]

this actor was /is incredible in this rôle. i barely stopped crying /because/ of this performance.

[@forestdukes7545]

Probably because you’ve got ptsd❤

[@Ca.Sunkissed]

Saw it last night and it was amazing 😭. Cried a quite a bit, especially the relationship with her Naan.

[@_Nanaki_]

She did an amazing job! Outstanding!!!

[@stevej061069]

Saw it today. She was superb, simple as that. The subtle little moves while singing, that somewhat awkward dancing Amy did on stage - she was a fabulous singer but one thing she wasn't was a trained dancer - and Marisa caught that brilliantly. As for the singing; Amy Winehouse has a unique and instantly recognisable vocal style and Marisa came very very close at times to capturing that. So much so that, unless you've listened really closely to Amy singing these songs and you've noted all the subtle nuances of her phrasing and delivery you'd be hard pushed at times to tell the difference. An award-worthy performance and I hope she gets the recognition she deserves.

[@debbieking4128]

Best film ever! Love Amy and now Marisa. She made this movie beautiful. Every time she sang we all just welled up, a stunning performance ❤

[@saramariecarstens]

she did AMAZING

[@bethgoode1227]

So many were dissing her before the film even came out and it was horrible to see. She did Amy so much justice and portrayed her so well!

[@julialumina1615]

Just watched back to black and it was amazing

[@wadusin]

She did SO well in this movie. She's a great actress and she really embodied Amy and her feelings and mannerisms fantastically. She must be very proud of herself ❤

[@deeluther1064]

Marisa Abela's performance is spot on!! I hope they remember her at the Oscars 2025.

[@ajfemma9042]

Unbelievable talent… ❤

[@CarolinaLobito]

The movie was fantastic! I never listened to Amy Winehouse but this movie was so enlightening. Marisa was amazing!! 😮

[@wildemorisson]

She was stunning just watched yesterday

[@sofiaplatini3273]

Just come out of cinema after seeing this. Fantastic film and superb acting. And the actor who played Blake. Reminds me of Dermot O’Leary

[@EmilyGraceTarot83]

i watched “Back to Black” here in 🇺🇸 a couple of days ago with my daughter. it was brilliant!! i loved it 😍!! fantastic performances!!! 👏

[@abderrahimaouij2980]

I like the film and i fall in love with amy again May she rest in peace

[@AlyssaBoyett-lb1vc]

I wanna go see the Amy Winehouse movie "Back to Black" when it comes out on May the seventeenth here in the U.S.

[@ghostofguy]

Worth seeing. Saw it today.

[@TheMomseloc]

I literally just marked my calendar to see it! Hello from Phoenix, Arizona USA!

[@shaka7594]

You won't be disappointed, it's fantastic

[@WilliamBonney-gl2qf]

Marisa is gorgeous

[@karen-xn6su]

She deserves an Oscar. What a performance. Wow!!!

[@julialumina1615]

I just saw it tonight and it was amazing!

[@eddiek6660]

I loved the movie. Marisa did a fantastic job. Casting was brilliant overall. RIP Gorgeous Amy 😢💔 we miss you so much x

[@studio500]

I LOVED the movie. So well done 👏👏👏👏👏🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Jessica-kg9fn]

I saw the film yesterday and it was Amazing! There were times were she almost looked identical to Amy and she sounded great. I know this films getting a lot of stick and bad feedback but it’s honestly such a great biopic. I went into this loving Amys music but not know much about her, it was so sad but told beautifully. People saying “oh cast Raye, Lady Gaga instead!” NO ONE will ever beat Amy Winehouse, she was her own person her own voice. I think Marisa did an amazing job at portraying her. Definitely go and watch this film

[@emmajane4316]

I agree there was quite a few times that she looked identical to Amy!

[@xsuzannex]

I watched it tonight. She did an awesome job, I loved it

[@Gorguruga]

One of the most amazing performances in a biopic I've ever seen. Marisa Abela is an amazing actress and I think she'll become a superstar herself in time.

[@EmilyGraceTarot83]

is a “biopic” a biographical movie? pls excuse my ignorance.

[@cookie_dough_hangover]

A star is born. Very talented actress.

[@DubbyDominate]

In some scenes they did a great job of making her look like Amy, i watched the movie on the 17th april it was very enjoyable to watch if you like amys music then defo go watch.

[@Sh0cks420]

As a huge Amy fan I was worried I wouldn't enjoy this and that the performance wouldn't capture Amy especially the voice but I take it back. This performance was fantastic. Her voice was so so good

[@SJCMARK]

As a musician I'm really looking forward to this film. I think its going to be a masterpiece

[@alicejade3657]

A lot of people dislike this film because they say she sounds nothing like Amy, but I guess you can't replicate such talent

[@Anon00008]

Does look, sound or act like her

[@kimgrant3879]

It's a bit naff this film.

[@shaka7594]

Film is Brilliant!

[@forestdukes7545]

@@shaka7594please seek help❤

[@brianosheehy51]

Stunning performance by Marisa enjoyed every minute

[@grahamsmith2107]

An excellent performance by Marisa.

[@DiamondMindDuh]

Best movie I’ve seen it and I cried and I love it 10/10

[@EmilyGraceTarot83]

i cried too. the ending was a tear-jerker.

[@santanaross9289]

Amy Winehouse Forever 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@hotbambi2010]

Amazing film I loved it

[@samanthasmyth6121]

Dermot is the ringer for Blake the actor in this movie it's uncanny !!! Fabulous film I'm a massive Amy fan abs girl you did amazing I want to watch it again the weekend so so good x

[@sanb9459]

It was brilliant... Marisa was amazing... amazing voice too! ❤

[@Jacintowalsh]

Gran actriz! Hoy vi la pelicula e hizo un papel extraordinario. Era como verla a amy por momentos, me encantó..

[@robertfuentes9677]

Marisa was perfect and she's just so beautiful

[@Faiisal]

I love her and she nailed the role definitely a new fan!

[@thatgardeninggirl2864]

Going to see this for my birthday next weekend ❤

[@eu_enia]

Great work Marisa!

[@davidbosquette2940]

Don't believe the few negative reviews. The movie captured the essence of if Amy, a normal girl with a once in a generation talent. This girl did INCREDIBLE. I left the cinema tonight in tears, mainly for the talent we lost way too soon. Imagine if we had had a few more albums from Amy. For me she is the best artist to come out of the UK in 30 years. R. I. P Miss Winehouse. You are loved and deeply missed 💖

[@forestdukes7545]

How much is Amy Dawson gonna make for that Christmas album with her angel vocals? ❤❤❤

[@EmilyGraceTarot83]

the best artist to visit the WORLD 🌎 the past few decades, if you ask me. i’m in the 🇺🇸 & i LOVE her 😍. no other artist is like her these days. she has so much soul. the singers today are nothing like her. they’re so quick to sellout for profit. they don’t even live their songs, most of them. Amy was a prodigy. i always think about what other amazing songs she would’ve made if she hadn’t crossed over so soon. i’m heartbroken since she passed. the movie was incredible. i left the theater in tears, too. i was also born in 1983, & i was also a drug addict (on pain pills & prescribed speed), & was turned onto it by my 1st lover. i got clean in 2010 & got pregnant shortly after. i was 7 months when she died. my daughter changed my entire life. i’m so happy now. i know if Amy had just held on a little longer, she would’ve found someone better, too, & become a wife & mom, like she always wanted. rip, Amy. ♾️ awesome.

[@glambooks1184]

Saw this movie 3 times because of her performance as an actor wow

[@michaelias_]

She embodied her so well, an amazing film ❤

[@noabengal7071]

Loved this film, and she was phenomenal

[@trashleigh87]

“Just enjoy being in (Amy’s) orbit for two hours.” That’s exactly how it felt watching the film for me tonight. Watching Marisa’s performance I could lose myself in Amy being resurrected. Quite incredible to watch.

[@forestdukes7545]

Amy Dawson needs to make her Winehouse Princess Christmas album!❤️❤️🎤🎄

[@clintcalvert9250]

Great job on the movie. Great work

[@honeymonroe2804]

Great job and performance of the actress and storyline ❤

[@garrybrannigan4311]

She was wonderful! ❤

[@FunnyCoastline-wx7rr]

I went to see the movie thought it was great a Marisa delivered a excellent performance

[@lornaecheverry5826]

Such special movie. I was moved and sad at the end. I appreciate Amy even more after this movie. ❤

[@yahairalorenzoarrocha2253]

Me encantó la película 🥰🥰

[@TheRandomChatSeries]

I saw the movie earlier today. I dodnt know much about her but wow she had a voice. I thought the movie was really good . But its so heartbreaking because she should still be here with us.

[@johnfallon4319]

Just seen the movie, she was fantastic. Nailed the casting

[@Wahwahrah]

She did such a good job

[@lisae.3325]

She is amazing as Amy.