“Amistad” is a 1997 historical drama film directed by Steven Spielberg and written by David Franzoni. The film is based on the true story of the 1839 mutiny on board the slave ship La Amistad, and the subsequent legal battle in the United States over the fate of the captive Africans.
Here is a brief synopsis of the film:
In 1839, a group of Africans who have been kidnapped and sold into slavery on the Spanish slave ship La Amistad revolt against their captors and take control of the ship. After a two-month journey, the ship is intercepted off the coast of the United States by the US Navy, and the Africans are taken into custody as suspected pirates. A legal battle ensues over whether the Africans are legally considered property, or whether they should be granted their freedom and returned to their homeland.
The film features a talented cast, including Djimon Hounsou, Morgan Freeman, and Anthony Hopkins. The film was praised for its powerful performances, stunning cinematography, and important message about the legacy of slavery and the struggle for freedom and justice.
Here are some of the awards won by “Amistad”:
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NAACP Image Awards (1998):
- Outstanding Motion Picture
- Outstanding Supporting Actor (Morgan Freeman)
- Outstanding Supporting Actress (Anna Deavere Smith)
- Outstanding Youth Actor/Actress (Kimberly Elise)
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Academy Awards (1998):
- Nominated for Best Supporting Actor (Anthony Hopkins)
- Nominated for Best Cinematography
- Nominated for Best Original Dramatic Score
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Golden Globe Awards (1998):
- Nominated for Best Supporting Actor (Anthony Hopkins)
- Nominated for Best Original Score
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Screen Actors Guild Awards (1999):
- Nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role (Anthony Hopkins)
Overall, “Amistad” is a powerful and moving film that sheds light on an important moment in history and the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.
Directed by | Steven Spielberg |
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Produced by | Debbie Allen, Steven Spielberg, Colin Wilson |
Written by | David Franzoni |
Starring | Morgan Freeman, Anthony Hopkins, Djimon Hounsou, Matthew McConaughey, Nigel Hawthorne, David Paymer, Pete Postlethwaite, Stellan Skarsgård, |
Music by | John Williams |
Cinematography | Janusz Kamiński |
Edited by | Michael Kahn |
Production company |
Amblin Entertainment (uncredited) HBO Pictures |
Distributed by | DreamWorks Pictures |
Release date | December 10, 1997 |
Running time | 154 minutes |
Country | United States |
Language | English Mende Spanish Portuguese |
Budget | $36 million |
Box office | $44.2 million |