← Back to results
Broadcast News
1987 133 min United States of America R 12+
★7.9
Comedy, Romance
Director: James L. Brooks
Trailers
Description
A high-strung news producer finds herself in a love triangle between a talented but self-doubting reporter and a charming news anchor who embodies the growing trivialization of news that she is determined to fight against.
Budget:
$20M
US Gross:
$51.25M
Worldwide:
$67.33M
Starring
William Hurt
Actor
Albert Brooks
Actor
Holly Hunter
Actor
Awards
Berlin International Film Festival 1988
— Silver Bear – Best Actress
Golden Globe 1988
— Best Actress (Comedy or Musical)
Golden Globe 1988
— Best Picture (Comedy or Musical)
Golden Globe 1988
— Best Actor (Comedy or Musical)
Academy Awards 1988
— Best Supporting Actor
Academy Awards 1988
— Best Film Editing
Academy Awards 1988
— Best Screenplay
Academy Awards 1988
— Best Cinematography
Golden Globe 1988
— Best Screenplay
Academy Awards 1988
— Best Picture
Academy Awards 1988
— Best Actor
Golden Globe 1988
— Best Director
Berlin International Film Festival 1988
— Golden Bear
Academy Awards 1988
— Best Actress
Key opinion
Broadcast News is widely regarded as a sharp, witty examination of the ethical decline of television journalism and the personal lives of those behind the cameras. While most appreciate its insightful character study and strong performances, some viewers find the romantic subplots distracting or feel the direction fails to fully capitalize on its thematic potential.
| Theme | The film offers an authentic and prescient critique of the shift toward prioritizing charismatic celebrity anchors over substantive journalistic integrity. | |
| Acting | Holly Hunter and Albert Brooks deliver compelling, vivid performances that effectively capture the tension of their professional and personal dynamics. | |
| Screenplay | The script blends understated satire with serious drama, providing a witty and insightful look at the mechanics of a newsroom. | |
| Screenplay | The romantic triangle is polarizing; some find it an engaging way to explore character dilemmas, while others feel it clutters the workplace narrative. | |
| Acting | Opinions on the cast's chemistry are divided; while many praise the leads, some critics argue the actors feel out of sync with one another. | |
| Direction | The direction is a point of contention; supporters praise the blend of tones, whereas detractors argue the execution feels aimless or melodramatic. |