In the ever-competitive world of awards season, every studio is looking for that one standout film to take home the Oscar gold. Paramount Pictures may have found its contender in September 5, a dramatic thriller that has already started to turn heads after its debut at the Venice and Telluride film festivals. But is September 5 a serious Oscar contender, or just a strategic backup for the studio?
Directed by Tim Fehlbaum (The Colony, Hell), September 5 delves into one of the most harrowing events in modern history: the 1972 Munich Olympics terrorist attack, where Palestinian militants took Israeli athletes hostage. With a star-studded cast including Peter Sarsgaard, John Magaro, and Leonie Benesch, the film is expected to grip audiences with its tense portrayal of the ABC Sports coverage of the attack.
Paramount's decision to release September 5 in theaters on November 27, followed by an awards-season push in December, signals their faith in the film's potential. The film has already drawn comparisons to previous Best Picture winners like Argo and Spotlight—both politically charged thrillers that resonated with Academy voters. However, September 5 skipped some key festivals like TIFF, NYFF, and London, raising questions about how strong its awards campaign might really be.
Oscar analyst Scott Feinberg has been touting the film's prospects for weeks, though some question his objectivity given his apparent bias for the film. With Paramount also banking on Ridley Scott's Gladiator II for Oscar buzz, there's speculation that September 5 could serve as a safety net if Scott's historical epic doesn't perform as expected.
At this stage, the film's awards success will likely hinge on the reviews it garners once it hits a wider audience. If critics embrace the film's taut storytelling and timely themes, September 5 could very well find itself in the thick of the Best Picture race. However, its low-profile festival presence suggests it has an uphill battle against more hyped contenders.
For now, movie lovers should keep an eye on September 5—whether it emerges as an Oscar darling or a solid underdog, it's poised to make waves in the months ahead.
