Centered around ABC Sports’ harrowing coverage of the 1972 Munich Olympics terrorist attack on Israeli athletes, September 5 explores the tense behind-the-scenes moments that shaped how one of the most tragic and politically charged events in sports history was reported. The film offers a powerful commentary on the ethics of journalism, a subject that has garnered comparisons to All the President’s Men, Spotlight, and Good Night, and Good Luck. Yet, despite its thematic weight, the film’s thrilling pace and standout performances ensure that it never feels heavy-handed.
Peter Sarsgaard leads the cast as Roone Arledge, the pioneering ABC Sports executive who orchestrated the network’s coverage of the attack. Sarsgaard, who has delivered stellar performances throughout his career but has never received an Oscar nomination, is already being discussed as a major contender for Best Actor. His portrayal of Arledge is nuanced and commanding, capturing the weight of the decisions made during that fateful day. John Magaro, playing young coordinating producer Geoff Mason, also turns in a riveting performance that could earn him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
While September 5 has yet to secure a distributor, it’s only a matter of time before this gripping drama is picked up by a top-tier studio. Despite the sensitive subject matter — particularly in its depiction of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict — insiders are confident that the film’s balanced portrayal and its focus on the journalism surrounding the event will resonate with audiences and voters alike. The film’s approach to the attack is objective, avoiding the polarizing rhetoric that can sometimes dominate discussions of Middle Eastern politics. Instead, it focuses on the human drama unfolding in the ABC newsroom as journalists scrambled to cover an unprecedented international tragedy.
The screenplay, penned by Fehlbaum and Moritz Binder, offers a riveting exploration of the decisions made in the heat of the moment and their ethical implications. It’s already being tipped as a potential contender for Best Original Screenplay, with its taut structure and sharp dialogue keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. In addition to its writing and performances, September 5 stands out for its production design, expertly recreating the atmosphere of a 1970s broadcast studio.
Though politically sensitive films have faced hurdles in recent years, with distributors hesitant to engage with controversial topics like Ukraine or abortion, September 5 is poised to break through. Its universal themes — the role of the media, the ethics of reporting, and the resilience of human beings in the face of tragedy — make it a strong contender for a wide range of awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.
Telluride attendees have been left buzzing about the film, which could easily land among the top Oscar contenders this year. With Sean Penn onboard as a producer, the film brings not just prestige but also star power, further amplifying its awards potential.
As September 5 continues its festival run and the buzz around it grows, it’s clear that this film will not only be remembered as one of the highlights of Telluride but also as a defining piece of cinema in 2023. Expect to hear more about Fehlbaum’s powerful and timely drama in the months leading up to the Oscars.
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