Georgia-filmed "I, Tonya" has been scooping up awards ahead of the 2018 Oscars and could earn some more hardware Sunday night.
"The movie was fantastic. Everyone did such a great job," the movie's subject, Tonya Harding, said during a visit with Ellen DeGeneres. "Margot putting out so much effort to learn how to do the jumps and to learn my backwoods, hick girl kind of attitude."
Golden Globe nominated actress Margot Robbie is up for best leading actress for her role as Tonya Harding in locally filmed "I, Tonya." Allison Janney, who won the Golden Globe for best supporting actress for her role as Tonya Harding's mother, is now up for an Oscar as well. The movie also is up for best editing.
"Allison totally blew it out of the water," Harding said. "That was my mother."
MORE: The Atlanta ties among this year's Oscar nominations
Ice skating scenes were filmed at the Macon Coliseum last year, when the venue was transformed into a 1990s-era arena. A key scene was shot at the Golden Buddha restaurant on Clairmont Road.
In her acceptance speech, Janney said the film is about “class in America” and embracing differences. She also gave a shout-out to “Little Man in Smyrna, Ga.,” a reference to the bird that Janney shared the screen with during several scenes in “I, Tonya.”
Ellen raved about the movie but also noted its difficult subject material.
"It’s also sad, because that was your mother," she said. "How did you go out there and perform when you had that kind of energy coming at you?"
Responded Harding, "When someone tells you you're fat, you’re ugly, you’re never going to amount to anything it makes you want to overcome that and be the best that you can be.
"I didn’t want to be like her," Harding continued. "I wanted to go out and do something more for myself. was very excited I achieved something in my life that meant something. The new movie made my life feel like it was worth something."
Ellen didn't delve much into the Nancy Kerrigan situation (hasn't enough been said?) but instead kept the focus on Harding.
"You made something of yourself, no matter what happens or if this movie hadn’t been made," she said. "I know you knew something was happening (regarding Kerrigan) but you had no idea what they were going to do."
Harding ended on a gracious note.
"I’m just glad my life can help other people," she said. "Love yourself, because that’s all that matters."
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