Shaka King's upcoming film Judas and the Black Messiah is slated to release on February 12, just in time for the Oscars. The film chronicles the true story of FBI informant William O'Neal (Lakieth Stanfield), who's tasked with surveilling Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya), the leader of the Black Panther Party. As part of the controversial Warner Bros. and HBO Max deal, the film will release in theaters and be available to stream on HBO Max for the first month following its release.
According to Collider, the February 12 release date ensures that the film will be eligible for Academy Awards. Because the Oscars are being held in late April of 2021 rather than February or March, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences extended the eligibility period to February 28, 2021. If Judas and the Black Messiah does snag a nomination for Best Picture, it will likely compete against heavy-hitters like Nomadland, The Trial of the Chicago 7, and Minari.
But Judas and the Black Messiah could be a dark horse, as it's one of the most highly anticipated films of 2021 that became an early Oscar contender before it even had a release date. The Warner Bros. HBO Max deal doesn't bode well for movie theaters or high-budget blockbusters, but Judas and the Black Messiah could actually benefit from its time streaming on HBO Max. Viewers who may not have gone to the theater to see the film (even before COVID-19) will get the chance to form their opinions before Oscars night. If Judas and the Black Messiah garners enough love from the public, it could help the film secure a nomination, if not a golden statue.
Source: Collider
