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Network
1976 122 min United States of America R 16+
★8.6
Drama
Director: Sidney Lumet
Trailers
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Teaser
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Description
When veteran anchorman Howard Beale is forced to retire his 25-year post because of his age, he announces to viewers that he will kill himself during his farewell broadcast. Network executives rethink their decision when his fanatical tirade results in a spike in ratings.
Budget:
$3.8M
US Gross:
$23.69M
Worldwide:
$23.7M
Starring
Faye Dunaway
Actor
William Holden
Actor
Peter Finch
Actor
Awards
Academy Awards 1977
— Best Supporting Actress
Academy Awards 1977
— Best Screenplay
Golden Globe 1977
— Best Director
Academy Awards 1977
— Best Screenplay
Academy Awards 1977
— Best Director
Academy Awards 1977
— Best Cinematography
Academy Awards 1977
— Best Film Editing
Golden Globe 1977
— Best Director
BAFTA 1978
— Best Picture
BAFTA 1978
— Best Actress
BAFTA 1978
— Best Screenplay
BAFTA 1978
— Best Film Editing
Golden Globe 1977
— Best Actress (Drama)
Golden Globe 1977
— Best Actor (Drama)
Golden Globe 1977
— Best Screenplay
Golden Globe 1977
— Best Picture (Drama)
BAFTA 1978
— Best Supporting Actor
BAFTA 1978
— Best Original Score
Academy Awards 1977
— Best Actor
Academy Awards 1977
— Best Actress
BAFTA 1978
— Best Actor
BAFTA 1978
— Best Director
Saturn Awards 1977
— Golden Scroll – Best Science Fiction Film
Key opinion
Network is widely regarded as a prophetic and biting satire that accurately forecasted the sensationalism and corporate exploitation of modern media. While some critics find aspects of the plot implausible or overly cynical, the film is almost universally praised for its razor-sharp screenplay and commanding central performances.
| Acting | The film features powerhouse, award-winning performances from Peter Finch, Faye Dunaway, and William Holden that anchor the high-stakes narrative. | |
| Screenplay | Paddy Chayefsky’s screenplay is razor-sharp and remarkably prescient, accurately predicting the shift toward tabloid journalism and corporate-driven media. | |
| Direction | Sidney Lumet’s direction is highly effective, utilizing long takes and a restrained visual style to amplify the film's intense and claustrophobic atmosphere. | |
| Theme | The film’s thematic exploration of the conflict between journalistic integrity and commercial profit remains startlingly relevant to contemporary media culture. | |
| Originality | Opinions on the narrative's credibility are split: some appreciate the dark, satirical evolution of the plot, while others find the escalating insanity and specific subplots implausible. |