Ava DuVernay’s ‘Selma’ Earns Standing Ovation in New York City

By Jamilah King Nov 18, 2014

New York City played home to a special screening of Ava DuVernay’s highly anticipated film "Selma" on Monday night and received a standing ovation. The film stars David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr. and centers on the historic 1965 Civil Rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama*.

Here’s the trailer:

Roger Friedman of Showbiz 411 was there for the screening and wrote that the film has already made its case for Oscar consideration:

"There’s a lump in your throat at the of ‘Selma,’ a movie that wisely takes a a snapshot of King’s life from the moment he wins the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 through the Selma march in 1965…Cinematographer Bradford Young (who also has ‘Pawn Sacrifice’ and ‘A Most Violent Year’) gives ‘Selma’ a convincing feel in muted colors that blossom toward the end of the movie. The version we saw last night also featured the theme song, written and recorded by Jay Z and John Legend. It’s a winner."

The film has got plenty of Hollywood heavyweights behind it. Oprah Winfrey and Brad Pitt are executive producers, and DuVernay picked up the project after director Lee Daniels bowed out in the aftermath of "The Butler." The film is slated to hit theaters this Christmas. 

 

* Post has been updated since publication to reflect that King’s 1965 march was from Selma to Montgomery not, to Selma.