Tim Fehlbaum’s gripping drama, September 5, is rapidly gaining traction on the festival circuit as a potential Best Picture contender. The film has already garnered exceptional reviews at both the Venice and Telluride film festivals, positioning it as a formidable contender for awards season.
Set against the backdrop of September 5, 1972, the film dramatizes the international hostage crisis involving the Israeli Olympic team, which unfolded live on global television. Uniquely, the narrative is told from the perspective of the broadcasters, providing a fresh angle on this historical event. With a notable cast including John Magaro, Peter Sarsgaard, Ben Chaplin, and Leonie Benesch, September 5 combines tension and historical drama with a sharp focus on journalistic ethics.
While Steven Spielberg’s Munich (2005) has previously tackled similar subject matter, September 5 offers a distinctive perspective that aligns with past Oscar-winning films like Spotlight and All the President’s Men. The film’s script, penned by Fehlbaum and Moritz Binder, presents a riveting examination of the moral dilemmas faced by journalists, making it a strong contender for the Best Original Screenplay category. The film’s efficient 91-minute runtime, paired with Hansjörg Weißbrich’s precise editing, further enhances its awards prospects.
Peter Sarsgaard, portraying producer Roone Arledge, delivers a performance reminiscent of his breakout role in Shattered Glass (2003), where he played a news editor uncovering falsified stories. With a relatively thin field of supporting actor contenders this year, Sarsgaard could secure his first Oscar nomination if the campaign is executed effectively. Ben Chaplin also stands out, depicting a Jewish producer urging his network to approach the crisis with caution.
John Magaro, a stalwart of indie cinema who was overlooked for roles in Past Lives and First Cow, emerges as a compelling leading man in September 5. At a recent Telluride patrons’ brunch, Sarsgaard lauded Magaro’s performance and even recommended him to Maggie Gyllenhaal for her upcoming directorial project, The Bride, slated for release next year.
Magaro’s portrayal of Geoff, a young and inexperienced producer thrust into a pivotal moment in television history, is a strong highlight. However, his position in the lead actor category might face stiff competition.
Leonie Benesch, noted for her role in last year’s international feature nominee The Teachers’ Lounge, adds a sense of urgency to her character. Her performance could draw parallels to past Oscar nominees such as Rachel McAdams in Spotlight and Keira Knightley in The Imitation Game.
Despite its potential, September 5 still requires a distributor. Given the crowded awards calendar for this year, a studio might opt to release the film in 2025. Nonetheless, with a robust campaign, September 5 could emerge as one of the most discussed contenders of the awards season.
You Might Be Interested In:
