O.J. Simpson doc wins first two prizes of 2016 awards season

Latest victory for Ezra Edelman film: Gotham Award, against stiff competition

The mega-documentaryO.J.: Made in America has established itself as a major contender this awards season, after capturing its second major prize this month.

On Monday night the 464-minute long film directed by Ezra Edelman won best documentary at the IFP Gotham Awards, triumphing over an impressive field that featured Cameraperson, I Am Not Your Negro, Tower and Weiner. 

O.J.: Made in America debuted at the Sundance Film Festival last January and played theatrically before it aired on ESPN beginning in June. The film has been praised for its meticulous research into Simpson's early life, career and celebrated murder trial, as well as his activities post-acquittal and eventual imprisonment on kidnapping and armed robbery charges. Edelman deftly portrays Simpson's efforts to unyoke himself from race as he rose to fame, only to reassume its mantle as he faced conviction for killing his ex-wife Nicole and her friend Ron Goldman.

---

SHARE THIS: 

---

Earlier in November, O.J.: Made in America took four honors at the inaugural Critics' Choice Documentary Awards in Brooklyn, including best documentary (theatrical feature) and best director for Edelman.

On Friday, December 9 Edelman's work will compete for best documentary feature at the IDA Awards in Hollywood, one of the most prestigious honors in nonfiction film. It has previously qualified for Oscar consideration by virtue of its limited theatrical release.

Director Ezra Edelman at the ArcLight Cinema in Hollywood, September 27, 2016. Photo by Matt Carey

We're live at the 26th Annual #GothamAwards! Follow @gettyimages on Snapchat and Instagram for the full 'story.' pic.twitter.com/iFpU4n6Pzx

— Getty Images (@GettyImages) November 28, 2016

Gotham Awards 2016: Complete Winners List (#Moonlight dominates with four awards!) https://t.co/I8QewZd7tm #GothamAwards pic.twitter.com/xtpjsSNiyg

— IndieWire (@IndieWire) November 29, 2016

At dopest award show with #keegan at #gothamAwards pic.twitter.com/5bZZl3ISlg

— John Leguizamo (@JohnLeguizamo) November 29, 2016