The Oscar winner reunites with Bradley Cooper and director David O Russell for an awards-tipped comedy drama about a single mother turned entrepreneur. While Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper’s third film together, the period drama Serena, might have landed with a damp thud, Lawrence is hoping that another film with her co-star might bring her more Joy. It also helps that the fact-based comedy drama is directed by David O Russell, who brought the two together for Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle, and puts Lawrence centre stage. The 24-year-old stars as Joy Mangeno, a single mother of three who becomes a successful businesswoman after inventing the Miracle Mop. Cooper stars as an executive at the Home Shopping Network who helps to give her product the boost it needs. The film also stars Robert De Niro, Isabella Rossellini and Virginia Madsen.

“It’s set [in] the 80s and 90s, but I’m going to take a different approach musically than I’ve ever taken before,” Russell told The Playlist last year. “I aspire to make an unexpected movie, both for myself and for Jennifer. It’s about a woman … what’s inside her.”

It’s already been touted as a major awards contender, and given Russell’s recent track record (his last three films have all been nominated for multiple Oscars), it’s a safe bet for inclusion.

Joy will be released on 25 December in the US and 1 January in the UK