‘September 5’ Is the Hot Sales Title for Studios Seeking a Worthy Best Picture Contender
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.
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“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.”
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. The film’s crisp 91-minute runtime, coupled with Hansjörg Weißbrich’s sharp editing, further enhances its awards potential.
Sarsgaard, playing producer Roone Arledge, harks back to his breakout role as a news editor uncovering fabricated stories in “Shattered Glass” (2003). In what appears to be a thin year for supporting actor contenders, Sarsgaard could secure his long-overdue first Oscar nomination with the right campaign. Chaplin’s passion is also on display as a Jewish producer begging his network to proceed with caution.
Magaro, who has established himself as a reliable and brilliant actor in indie cinema — despite being overlooked for roles in “Past Lives” and “First Cow” — emerges as a true leading man in “September 5.” During the Telluride patrons’ brunch, Sarsgaard praised Magaro’s work, telling Variety that his positive experience with Magaro led him to recommend the actor for his wife Maggie Gyllenhaal’s upcoming directorial project, “The Bride,” set for release next year.
Magaro delivers another dynamic performance as Geoff, a young, inexperienced producer thrust into one of the most tragic moments in television history. However, positioning him in the lead actor category could present challenges in a competitive field.
Benesch, who garnered attention for her role in last year’s international feature nominee “The Teachers’ Lounge,” brings a sense of urgency to her character, striving to prevent her country from being marred by its darkest sins. Her performance could draw comparisons to past Oscar nominees like Rachel McAdams (“Spotlight”) and Keira Knightley (“The Imitation Game”).
First, however, “September 5” needs a distributor. Even with its potential, a studio might choose to hold the film for a 2025 release, as this year’s awards calendar is already filling up with each passing festival. Still, with the right campaign, this timely and powerful film could become one of the most talked-about contenders this season.
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