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Paramount Pictures’ “September 5” aims for Oscar glory
A gripping historical drama enters the awards race
Paramount Pictures is setting its sights on the Oscars with its historical drama, “September 5”, which delves into the harrowing true story of the 1972 Munich Olympic hostage crisis. The film has already garnered enthusiastic receptions at the Venice and Telluride film festivals, positioning it as a strong contender in the upcoming awards season.
Stellar ensemble cast and major category contenders
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Peter Sarsgaard, John Magaro, Ben Chaplin, and Leonie Benesch, all of whom will compete in the supporting acting categories. Beyond the acting accolades, “September 5” is also set to vie for major awards such as Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. Paramount Pictures acquired the film from its boutique label Republic Pictures shortly after its festival debuts, signaling their confidence in its awards potential.
Paramount’s diverse awards slate
“September 5” joins a robust awards slate for Paramount, which also features Ridley Scott’s epic sequel “Gladiator II”, two music biopics—Michael Gracey’s “Better Man” about Robbie Williams and Reinaldo Marcus Green’s “Bob Marley: One Love”—and Josh Cooley’s animated feature “Transformers One”. This diverse lineup showcases Paramount’s strategic push across various genres and categories.
Behind the scenes: A technical marvel
Directed by Tim Fehlbaum, who co-wrote the screenplay with Moritz Binder, ”September 5″ follows the ABC Sports crew covering the terrorist attack during the Summer Olympics in Munich. The film captures the intense, suspense-filled moments in the control room, where the broadcast team made difficult decisions while reporting on the Israeli athletes taken hostage. This behind-the-scenes perspective offers a fresh take on the tragic events, setting it apart from previous films on the subject.
A thriller that stands on its own
“September 5” is a taut and suspenseful thriller that stands on its own, even for those familiar with Steven Spielberg’s “Munich” (2005), which also explores the tragic events and their aftermath. With a smart awards campaign, the film could follow in the footsteps of past Oscar favorites like “Spotlight” (2015) and “All the President’s Men” (1976). It is also poised to compete in technical categories such as Production Design, Editing, and Sound.
Capturing the evolution of TV news
The film has been praised for its portrayal of how the hostage crisis forever changed TV news. The relevance of “September 5” is further boosted by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, as the repercussions of recent events continue to unfold. This timely connection adds depth to the film’s narrative, making it not just a historical recount but a reflection on contemporary issues.
Upcoming screenings and release
“September 5” is set to screen at the Middleburg Film Festival before its limited release in select theaters on November 27, ahead of a nationwide release in December. This strategic rollout aims to build momentum and buzz leading up to the Oscars, ensuring that the film remains in the spotlight throughout the awards season.
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