Ben-Hur
Ben-Hur
Charlton Heston stars in this epic drama about an aristocrat living in Judaea who incurs the wrath of a childhood friend, now a Roman tribune. Although forced into slavery on a galley and compelled to witness the cruel persecution of his family, he survives, harbouring dreams of vengeance. A battle at sea and a chariot race are among the memorable sequences. The film used 300 sets at Rome's Cinecitta Studios and won a record 11 Oscars.
“Ben-Hur is a majestic achievement, representing a superb blending of the motion picture arts by master craftsmen.” – Variety
“Although it is a spectacle film, the story of how a man takes on the tyranny of the Romans, with all sorts of horrible consequences to himself and his family, is powerful and gripping.” – The Telegraph
“An extraordinary motion picture, greater in dimension and significance than any similar film of our time, Ben-Hur is more spectacular than any of the previous spectacles. More importantly, it is at the same time a highly rewarding dramatic experience, rich and complex in human values: a great adventure, full of excitement, visual beauty, thrills and unsurpassed cinema artistry. “ – The Hollywood Reporter
WINNER
Academy Awards – Best Picture
Academy Awards – Best Director, William Wyler
Academy Awards – Best Leading Actor, Charlton Heston
Academy Awards – Best Supporting Actor, Hugh Griffith
Academy Awards – Best Art Direction
Academy Awards – Best Cinematography
Academy Awards – Best Costume Design
Academy Awards – Best Film Editing
Academy Awards – Best Sound Recording
Academy Awards – Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedic Picture
Academy Awards – Best Special Effects
Golden Globes – Best Motion Picture (Drama)
Golden Globes – Best Director, William Wyler
Golden Globes – Best Supporting Actor, Stephen Boyd