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Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is a 2017 dark comedy crime film written, directed, and produced by Martin McDonagh.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is a 2017 dark comedy crime film written, directed, and produced by Martin McDonagh. It stars Frances McDormand as a Missouri mother who rents three roadside billboards to pressure local police over her daughter's unsolved murder. The film received major awards recognition, including Academy Awards for McDormand and Sam Rockwell.

Plot

The story follows Mildred Hayes as she uses three billboards to force attention onto the unsolved murder of her daughter. Her campaign triggers escalating conflict with local law enforcement and the surrounding town.

Production and release

Martin McDonagh wrote, directed, and produced the film. It was released theatrically by Fox Searchlight Pictures in the United States in November 2017 and in the United Kingdom in January 2018.

Cast

Frances McDormand plays Mildred Hayes, while Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell portray key law-enforcement figures. Supporting roles include Abbie Cornish, John Hawkes, and Peter Dinklage.

Reception and awards

The film received widespread awards recognition, including major wins at the BAFTAs, Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Academy Awards. Its Oscar wins were for McDormand and Rockwell.

Key facts

  • The film centers on Mildred Hayes, whose daughter was raped and murdered, leading her to rent billboards criticizing the local sheriff and police response.
  • It premiered in 2017 and was released in the United States in November 2017 and in the United Kingdom in January 2018.
  • The cast includes Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, Abbie Cornish, John Hawkes, and Peter Dinklage.
  • It grossed about $162 million worldwide.
  • At the 90th Academy Awards, it received seven nominations and won Best Actress and Best Supporting Actor.
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Canadian context

The film screened widely in Canada and was part of the broader North American awards season conversation, but it has no specific Canadian setting or production identity in the provided sources.

Frequently asked questions

What is Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri about?
It follows a grieving mother who rents three billboards to criticize local police for failing to solve her daughter's murder.
Who directed the film?
Martin McDonagh wrote, directed, and produced the film.
Who stars in it?
The film stars Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, and Sam Rockwell, with supporting roles from Abbie Cornish, John Hawkes, and Peter Dinklage.
When was it released?
It was released in the United States in November 2017 and in the United Kingdom in January 2018.
What awards did it win?
It won five BAFTA Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, and three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and it won Oscars for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actor.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Billboards_Outside_Ebbing,_Missouri
    Supports: Release year, director, cast, plot, box office, and awards.
  2. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Billboards_Outside_Ebbing,_Missouri
    Supports: Basic plot, release timing, cast, and worldwide earnings.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5027774/
    Supports: Plot description, cast, and thematic overview.