‘Mary Queen of Scots’ Actresses Rival for Oscar’s Nomination

Actress Saoirse Ronan attends the 24th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on Jan. 21, 2018. Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images for Turner

Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie were both Oscar-nominated as the year’s best actress, respectively portraying Mary Stuart and Queen Elizabeth in the upcoming movie “Mary Queen of Scots,” which is set to hit theaters on Dec. 7.

Margot Robbie attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Centerin Hollywood on March 4, 2018. Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images

Saoirse Ronan attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood on March 4, 2018.

In “Mary Queen of Scots,” Mary turns her back on being the queen of France and returns to England to reclaim the throne after her husband, King Frances II, dies. This brings her into conflict with her cousin Elizabeth, who already sits on the throne.

The film is based on a biography written by John Guy and the story is written by “House of Cards” creator Beau Willimon. It centers on Mary and Queen Elizabeth’s complex, bizarre, and tragic relationship, surrounding the undertaking of the throne of England as other men scheme for power on the side.

Posters of the two leading actress were released on Wednesday by Focus Features.