For Day 5 of our 11-day Black Friday countdown, we’re switching gears again.
After two days spent celebrating music legends we could have stayed with the subject as Berry Gordy, founder of the Motown label was born today but today’s date gives us the perfect excuse to turn to the world of cinema — because 28 November is absolutely stacked with film-related birthdays and milestones.
From visionary directors and unforgettable actors, to the film music that you adored and a global movie premiere, today is a celebration of the people (and hobbits) who shaped the big screen.
Let’s dive in.
🎬 Alfonso Cuarón — Born 28 Nov 1961
One of the most acclaimed directors of his generation, Alfonso Cuarón was born on this day in 1961 in Mexico City. His work spans genres, languages, and continents — and he consistently pushes the boundaries of what filmmaking can be.
Cuarón is best known for:
- Gravity (which won him the Oscar for Best Director)
- Roma (another Oscar win, making him one of the few directors to win twice)
- Children of Men (widely considered a modern sci-fi masterpiece)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (arguably the most stylish and character-driven entry in the series)
What sets Cuarón apart is his ability to blend sweeping technical innovation with intimate, human storytelling. His films often explore themes of memory, loss, connection, and survival — all wrapped in visuals that stay with you long after the credits roll.
For a director who once said he didn’t expect to become a filmmaker at all, he has more than earned his place among cinema’s greats.
🎭 Ed Harris — Born 28 Nov 1950
If you’ve watched movies at any point in the last 40 years, there’s a very good chance Ed Harris has appeared in at least one of your favourites.
Born on this day in 1950, Harris is an actor whose presence can elevate absolutely anything — dramas, thrillers, sci-fi epics, or even voice roles. He’s one of those performers who never mails it in, never feels miscast, and never disappears into the background.
Some of his most memorable roles include:
- The Truman Show (as the enigmatic creator Cristof)
- Apollo 13 (“Failure is not an option.” Enough said.)
- A Beautiful Mind
- The Right Stuff
- Pollock (which he also directed)
- Westworld (for a new generation of fans)
Harris brings intensity, intelligence, and emotional precision to every role — whether he’s playing a tortured artist, a coldly logical mastermind, or a gruff but determined hero.
He may not always dominate headlines, but he’s the definition of a rock-solid actor whose performances linger long after the film ends.
🎤 Jon Stewart — Born 28 Nov 1962
You may know him primarily as the host of The Daily Show, but Jon Stewart — also born on 28 November — has built an interesting side career in film, too.
He’s appeared in movies such as:
- Big Daddy
- Death to Smoochy
- Mixed Nuts
- Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back
But his biggest cinematic achievement came behind the camera:
He wrote and directed Rosewater (2014), a powerful political drama based on the true story of journalist Maziar Bahari.
Beyond acting and directing, Stewart’s influence on entertainment is enormous. His combination of comedy, satire, activism, and razor-sharp political commentary changed late-night TV forever — and continues to inspire a whole generation of comedians and writers.
🎵 Randy Newman — Born 28 Nov 1943
It would be impossible to celebrate 28 November’s cinematic connections without mentioning Randy Newman, one of the most iconic film composErs in modern history.
If you've watched any Disney or Pixar film in the last few decades, you’ve almost certainly heard his work — and probably hummed it long afterward. Newman created the music for nine Disney/Pixar films, including the entire Toy Story series, A Bug’s Life, Monsters, Inc., Cars, and Monsters University.
His song “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” has become a cultural landmark — instantly recognisable, endlessly charming, and emotionally tied to childhood memories for millions.
Newman’s accolades include:
- 2 Academy Awards
- 3 Emmys
- 7 Grammys
- And a reputation as one of film’s most beloved musical storytellers
His ability to craft warm, character-driven soundtracks places him firmly among the greats — a musician whose work shaped childhoods, families, and animation history.
🧙♂️ The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey — World Premiere, 28 Nov 2012
Finally, we end on a movie milestone:
On 28 November 2012, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey had its world premiere in Wellington, New Zealand.
Fans from around the globe flocked to the event, with thousands lining the streets as Peter Jackson and the cast walked the red carpet. Middle-earth fever was everywhere — flags, costumes, and enough hobbit feet to confuse even Gandalf.
Whether you’re a Tolkien purist or someone who just enjoys big fantasy adventures, the premiere of An Unexpected Journey marked the beginning of another enormous cinematic chapter set in Jackson’s lovingly crafted Middle-earth.
It was a reminder that few stories capture the imagination quite like Tolkien’s — and few directors bring them to life quite like Peter Jackson.
What’s Your Favourite Film Connected to Today’s Date?
So tell us:
👉 Are you more of a Cuarón fan or an Ed Harris devotee?
👉 Did Jon Stewart ever surprise you on screen?
👉 And where does The Hobbit sit in your Middle-earth rankings?
Black Friday continues tomorrow — and we’ll see what the next date in history has in store.
