What's Happening?
Russell Crowe's historical drama 'Nuremberg' has emerged as a box office success story, despite being largely overlooked during the awards season. Directed by James Vanderbilt, the film follows U.S. Army psychiatrist Douglas Kelley, played by Rami Malek, as he examines Hermann Göring, portrayed by Crowe, and other high-ranking Nazis during the Nuremberg Trials. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September and was released theatrically in November. It has grossed $46 million globally, outperforming several other prestige films this season. 'Nuremberg' has been recognized with six BAFTA longlist nominations, including best film and leading actor for Crowe, and two Academy Award shortlists. The film maintains a high audience
score on Rotten Tomatoes and ranks as the second most popular movie on Amazon and Apple TV following its December 23 premium video-on-demand release.
Why It's Important?
The success of 'Nuremberg' highlights the potential for historical dramas to capture audience interest even when they are not front-runners in the awards circuit. This film's performance suggests a strong international appeal, with overseas earnings doubling its domestic box office. The film's ability to resonate with audiences could influence future productions in the genre, encouraging studios to invest in similar projects. Additionally, the film's recognition in prestigious award longlists and shortlists could enhance its visibility and credibility, potentially impacting its future sales and distribution. The film's success also underscores the importance of digital platforms like Amazon and Apple TV in reaching wider audiences, especially during a competitive awards season.
What's Next?
As 'Nuremberg' continues to perform well internationally, with major markets like France and Germany yet to open, its global total is expected to grow. The upcoming Oscar nominations will be a critical moment for the film, as recognition could further boost its profile and box office performance. The film's success may prompt other filmmakers and studios to explore similar historical narratives, potentially leading to a resurgence of interest in World War II-themed dramas. The industry will be watching closely to see if 'Nuremberg's' box office success translates into significant awards recognition, which could influence future award season strategies.
