Streaming Debut of Oscar-Nominated ‘September 5’ Scheduled for February 25

NEW YORK, NY — Paramount+ announced today that its drama ‘September 5,’ nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, will begin streaming in the U.S. and Canada on February 25. The film, directed and co-written by Tim Fehlbaum, offers a gripping portrayal of the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics crisis and its impact on modern media coverage.

‘September 5’ centers on the real-life events surrounding the hostage situation during the Munich Games, focusing on the ABC Sports broadcasting team as they transitioned from sports reporting to live coverage. The film explores the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists in high-pressure scenarios, as viewers witness the chaos enveloping both the athletes and the newsroom.

The narrative follows Geoff, portrayed by John Magaro, an ambitious producer under the guidance of legendary TV executive Roone Arledge, played by Peter Sarsgaard. Alongside German interpreter Marianne, portrayed by Leonie Benesch, the team maneuvers through the complexities of broadcasting amidst high stakes. ‘The film juxtaposes the technological capabilities of the time against the lives at stake and the moral obligations faced by the crew in a race against time,’ Fehlbaum commented.

Released theatrically in December, ‘September 5’ features a strong ensemble cast that includes Zinedine Soualem, Georgina Rich, Corey Johnson, Marcus Rutherford, Daniel Adeosun, Benjamin Walker, and Ferdinand Dörfler. The film has received critical acclaim, including nominations for Best Motion Picture – Drama at the Golden Globes, further elevating its profile ahead of the Academy Awards.

Critics have praised ‘September 5’ for its authentic depiction of broadcasting during a tragic event, achieving a Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes with a critic score of 93% and an audience score of 90%. The consensus highlights the film as ‘a worthy chronicle of a tragic flashpoint in broadcast media history,’ capturing the compromises faced by the newsroom.

In anticipation of its Oscars nomination, Paramount+ aims to broaden the film’s audience reach with this streaming release. ‘September 5’ will also be made available in international markets at a later date, creating excitement as the Academy Awards approach.

Filmed in a manner that contrasts with previous interpretations of the Munich massacre, ‘September 5’ opts for a storytelling approach grounded in immediacy rather than a retrospective narrative. The movie emphasizes the urgency and challenges encountered by the media in real-time, making it a significant contribution to the cinematic representation of historical events.

The 97th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 2, where ‘September 5’ competes alongside other films such as ‘Anora,’ ‘The Brutalist,’ ‘A Real Pain,’ and ‘The Substance’ for Best Original Screenplay.