Clayton Davis Senior Awards Editor A hot sales title and potential Oscar contender is generating buzz on the festival circuit: Tim Fehlbaum’s tension-filled drama, “September 5.” If any studio feels like adding another worthy awards hopeful to its slate, this film could go far under the right guidance.
The film, which has received outstanding reviews at both Venice and Telluride, could make a significant impact given its timely and compelling story.
Set on Sept. 5, 1972, it portrays the international hostage crisis involving the Israeli Olympic team, as it unfolded live on global television.
However, the story is told from the perspective of the broadcasters. The period drama features a talented ensemble cast, including John Magaro, Peter Sarsgaard, Ben Chaplin and Leonie Benesch. “September 5” is a taut, suspenseful thriller, and even if you’ve seen (and hopefully admired) Steven Spielberg’s “Munich” (2005), this retelling more than warrants its perspective, reminiscent of previous Oscar winners like “Spotlight” and “All the President’s Men.” Read: You can see all Academy Award predictions in all 23 categories on one page on the Variety Awards Circuit: Oscars Written by Fehlbaum and Moritz Binder, the script is a pulse-pounding exploration of the moral responsibilities of journalists, making it a strong contender for the Writers Branch to cite in the best original screenplay category.
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