Director: Jeffrey Blitz
Total Running Time: 97 minutes
Release Date: 2002
Study Guide: Spellbound – Click Here
Synopsis
This Oscar-nominated entry documents the intense experience of the National Spelling Bee as seen through the eyes of eight young spellers, with viewers glimpsing the kids’ private lives as they train for and compete in the ultimate cerebral showdown. While they try to keep their eyes on the $10,000 prize, their personal stories illuminate their quirks, their obsessive study habits and their alternately heartbreaking and inspiring family dynamics. (Netflix)
Awards
The Academy Awards – Best Documentary, Nominated
American Cinema Editors – Best Edited Documentary Film
Chicago Critics Association Awards – Best Documentary
Chlotrudis – Best Documentary, Best Movie
Cleveland International Film Festival – Best Film
Durango Film Festival – Audience Award, Filmmakers Award
Emmy Award — News & Documentary, Best Cultural Programming
Hawaii International Film Festival – Best Documentary
Independent Spirit Awards – Truer Than Fiction Award, Nominated
International Documentary Association – Feature Documentary, Nominated
Los Angeles IFP/West Film Fest – Audience Award Best Documentary, Special Jury Prize
Melbourne International Film Festival – Most Popular Documentary
Online Film Critics Society Awards – Best Documentary, Nominated
SXSW Film Festival – Best Documentary Feature
Santa Barbara International Film Festival – Best Documentary
Sarasota Film Festival – Audience Award for Documentary
Satellite Awards – Best Documentary, Nominated
Sydney Film Festival – Audience Award, Best Documentary
Woodstock Film Festival – Best Documentary
