Momma Cherri on the Big Screen: Featured in Bugonia Starring Emma Stone & Jesse Plemons

If you thought Momma Cherri's story couldn't get any more extraordinary, think again. The soul food legend from Brighton has made her way onto the big screen — appearing in Bugonia, the 2025 sci-fi comedy directed by Academy Award® winner Yorgos Lanthimos and starring Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons.

Yes, you read that right. The same Momma Cherri who had Gordon Ramsay cleaning his plate on Kitchen Nightmares is now sharing screen time with two of Hollywood's biggest names.

If you first discovered Momma through Kitchen Nightmares, read the story behind the famous clean plate.

What Is Bugonia?

Bugonia is a sci-fi comedy film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos — the visionary filmmaker behind Poor Things, The Favourite, and The Lobster. The film stars Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, both of whom have worked with Lanthimos on previous critically acclaimed projects.

The film follows two conspiracy theorists who become convinced that the CEO of a major corporation is actually an alien — and set out to prove it. It's quirky, bold, and exactly the kind of film where Momma Cherri's larger-than-life personality fits right in.

“I'm Over the Moon!”

Momma Cherri shared the news on her Facebook page, writing that she was “over the moon excited and proud” to be part of the film. And honestly? So are we.

For someone who started with nothing more than a love of cooking and a dream of feeding people with soul, this is another milestone in an already remarkable life. From opening Brighton's first American soul food restaurant, to appearing on one of the most-watched episodes of Kitchen Nightmares, to now being featured in a major Hollywood production — Momma Cherri continues to prove that authenticity, heart, and a whole lot of soul can take you anywhere.

A Journey Like No Other

Let's take a moment to appreciate the full arc of this story:

• A self-taught cook from a family of matriarch cooks spanning Mexico, France, and Greece
• Opened Brighton's first American soul food restaurant
• Had Gordon Ramsay come back with a clean plate on Kitchen Nightmares
• Built a loyal following through decades of cooking experiences, private dining, and community
• Launched the Love Dust signature spice blend
• Created the Spin It Kitchen cooking app
• And now — featured in a film alongside Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons

That's not just a career. That's a legacy.

Peace, Love & Soul — On Every Stage

Whether it's a kitchen in Brighton, a TV set with Gordon Ramsay, or a film set with Emma Stone — Momma Cherri brings the same thing everywhere she goes: authenticity, warmth, and soul.

We couldn't be prouder. And if you haven't experienced Momma Cherri for yourself yet, there's never been a better time. Book a cooking experience, grab a jar of Love Dust, or follow Momma on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.

From Kitchen Nightmares to the big screen. That's Momma Cherri. That's soul.