A drama based on the true story of Melvin B. Tolson, a professor at Wiley College Texas. In 1935, he inspired students to form the school's first debate team, which went on to challenge Harvard in the national championship.
IMDb Details
Content TypeMovieAlternate TitlesAustralia: The Great Debaters
Canada: The Great Debaters (English)
France: The Great Debaters
United Kingdom: The Great Debaters
Ireland: The Great Debaters (English)
India: The Great Debaters (English)
India: The Great Debaters (Hindi)
Netherlands: The Great Debaters
New Zealand: The Great Debaters (English)
Philippines: The Great Debaters (English)
Sweden: The Great Debaters
Singapore: The Great Debaters (English)
United States: The Great Debaters
South Africa: The Great Debaters (English)
Mexico: El Gran Debate
United States: El Gran Debate (Spanish)
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Veliki borci riječima (Bosnian)
Croatia: Veliki borci riječima
Portugal: Debate Pela Liberdade
Spain: El gran debate
Hungary: Érvek és életek
Poland: Klub dyskusyjny
Romania: La început a fost cuvântul
Canada: Le grand débat (French)
Turkey: Muhteşem Münazaracılar (Turkish)
Vietnam: Những Nhà Hùng Biện
Brazil: O Grande Debate (Alternative Title)
Brazil: O Grande Desafio
Lithuania: Puikūs debatininkai
Czech Republic: Síla slova
Serbia: Sjajni govornici
Estonia: Suurepärased väitlejad
Norway: The Challenge
Germany: The Great Debaters - Die Macht der Worte
Italy: The Great Debaters - Il potere della parola
Croatia: Veliki debatanti (Alternative Title)
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Veliki govornici (Bosnian, literal title)
Slovenia: Veliki razpravljalci
Russia: Большие спорщики
Bulgaria: Великите дебатьори (Bulgarian)
North Macedonia: Одлични говорници
Japan: グレート・ディベーター 栄光の教室 (Japanese)
Taiwan: 激辯風雲
El Gran DebateContent RatingPG-13Release Date2007-12-25Runtime126 minutesMetascore65IMDb Popularity4895User Reviews149Critic Reviews58Countries / RegionsUnited StatesLanguagesEnglishKeywordsdebate team
black american
based on true story
racial segregation
studentFilming LocationsWiley College - 711 Wiley Avenue, Marshall, Texas, USAProduction CompaniesHarpo Films
Marshall Production
Roth FilmsIMDb URLhttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt0427309/Local Poster/d/file/imdb/04/tt0427309.jpgUpdated At2026-02-18T21:28:34
Stars
Denzel Washington
Nate Parker
Jurnee Smollett
Denzel Whitaker
Jermaine Williams
Forest Whitaker
Gina Ravera
John Heard
Kimberly Elise
Devyn A. Tyler
Directors
Denzel Washington
Writers
Robert Eisele
Jeffrey Porro
Tony Scherman
Full Cast & Crew
[Cast Group]
Actor: Denzel Washington | Character: Melvin B. Tolson
Actor: Nate Parker | Character: Henry Lowe
Actor: Jurnee Smollett | Character: Samantha Booke
Actor: Denzel Whitaker | Character: James Farmer Jr.
Actor: Jermaine Williams | Character: Hamilton Burgess
Actor: Forest Whitaker | Character: Dr. James Farmer Sr.
Actor: Gina Ravera | Character: Ruth Tolson
Actor: John Heard | Character: Sheriff Dozier
Actor: Kimberly Elise | Character: Pearl Farmer
Actor: Devyn A. Tyler | Character: Helen Farmer
Actor: Trenton McClain Boyd | Character: Nathaniel Farmer
Actor: Ritchie Montgomery | Character: Deputy
Actor: Jackson Walker | Character: Pig Owner
Actor: Tim Parati | Character: Pig Farmer
Actor: Robert X. Golphin | Character: Dunbar Reed
Actor: Justice Leak | Character: Harland Osbourne
Actor: Glen Powell | Character: Harvard Debater #1
Actor: Brad Watkins | Character: Harvard Debater #2
Actor: Brian Smiar | Character: Harvard Dean
Actor: Damien Leake | Character: Wilson
Actor: Voltaire Sterling | Character: Paul Quinn Debater #1
Actor: Stephen Rider | Character: Paul Quinn Debater #2
Actor: Gordon Danniels | Character: Paul Quinn Debate Judge
Actor: Donny Boaz | Character: Oklahoma City College Debater #1
Actor: Samuel Elliott Whisnant | Character: Oklahoma City College Debater #2
Actor: Bonnie Johnson | Character: Dr. Jennings
Actor: Charissa Allen | Character: Benita
Actor: Michael Beasley | Character: Trudell
Actor: Gary Mattis | Character: Enormous Man
Actor: George Wilson | Character: Samuel
Actor: Fahnlohnee R. Harris | Character: Clementine
Actor: Harold Evans | Character: William Taylor
Actor: JD Evermore | Character: Captain Wainwright
Actor: Sharon Jones | Character: Lila
Actor: Kelvin Payton | Character: Joseph
Actor: Southey Blanton | Character: White Labor Organizer
Actor: Michael Mattison | Character: White Sharecropper #1
Actor: Jeff Braun | Character: White Sharecropper #2
Actor: Milton R. Gipson | Character: Prairie View Professor
Actor: Frank Ridley | Character: Security Guard
Actor: Jeremiah Kissel | Character: Radio Announcer at Harvard Debate
Actor: Jack Radosta | Character: White Man at Lynching
Actor: Marcus Lyle Brown | Character: Howard Debater #1
Actor: Alvin Youngblood Hart | Character: Juke Joint Musician #1
Actor: Dom Flemons | Character: Juke Joint Musician #2
Actor: Justin Robinson | Character: Juke Joint Musician #3
Actor: Rhiannon Giddens | Character: Juke Joint Musician #4
Actor: Ahmad Powell | Character: Fisk Professor
Actor: Michael C. 'Mike' Allen | Character: Deputy Texas Ranger
Actor: Razmig Arabian | Character: Harvard Student
Actor: Kevin Beard | Character: Klansman at Lynching
Actor: Ellen Becker-Gray | Character: Faculty at Harvard Debate
Actor: Chad Boldini | Character: Harvard Debate Attendee
Actor: Matthew N. Bourgeois | Character: Harvard Scholar
Actor: Crystal Brown-Tatum | Character: Female Teacher, Dance Chaperone
Actor: Gio Castellano | Character: Harvard Debate Attendee
Actor: Thomas Cataloni | Character: Sailor
Actor: Ashley Cerrone | Character: Harvard Student
Actor: Michael DeMello | Character: Debate Observer
Actor: Roger Dillingham Jr. | Character: Upscale Traveler
Actor: Sal DiMino | Character: Reporter
Actor: Tommy Jay Dwyer | Character: Harvard Student
Actor: Curtis Eames | Character: Reporter
Actor: Chaz Echols | Character: Wiley College Student
Actor: Brian D. Evans | Character: Harvard Student
Actor: Ben Fisher | Character: Harvard Student
Actor: Jaishon Fisher | Character: Newspaper Boy
Actor: Jamai Fisher | Character: Kid at Train Station
Actor: Steve Flynn | Character: Harvard Dean
Actor: Hugh Guiney | Character: Harvard Student
Actor: Hevin Hampton | Character: Bar Patron
Actor: Joel B. Hayden | Character: Harvard Professor
Actor: Patrick Mel Hayes | Character: Harvard Alumni
Actor: Benjamin Healy | Character: Harvard Student
Actor: Zan Jabara | Character: Harvard Student
Actor: Michael Knight | Character: Harvard Student
Actor: Chris Kosiavelon | Character: Harvard Student
Actor: Kenneth Lecompte | Character: Share Cropper and Grocer
Actor: Jimmy Lee Jr. | Character: Lyncher
Actor: Aqua Lee | Character: Juke Joint Couple
Actor: Christopher J. Long | Character: Harvard Student
Actor: Michael M Luzzi | Character: Reporter
Actor: Robert Masiello | Character: Harvard Alumni
Actor: Josh McBride | Character: Harvard Student
Actor: Paul McGillicuddy | Character: Harvard Debate Attendee
Actor: Alex Milne | Character: Shoe Shine Boy
Actor: Tarek Moussa | Character: Harvard Student
Actor: Jason Mulcahy | Character: Harvard Student
Actor: Ed O'Keefe | Character: Harvard Scholar
Actor: Nefertara Ozella | Character: Extra
Actor: Giovanni Pantaleo | Character: Havard Student
Actor: Cory Patt | Character: Wiley Student
Actor: James Paul | Character: Riot Starter
Actor: Jeannie Perrin | Character: Lynching Participant
Actor: Todd Poudrier | Character: Radio Tech
Actor: Cyndy Powell | Character: Harvard debate audience
Actor: Breon Pugh | Character: Wiley Debater
Actor: Alan Resnic | Character: Harvard Scholar
Actor: Robert M. Saunders | Character: Harvard Student
Actor: Cory Reed Smith | Character: Harvard Debate Attendee
Actor: Scott Sousa | Character: Harvard Student
Actor: Michael Stanton | Character: Harvard Professor
Actor: Heath Stewart | Character: Reserve Harvard Debater
Actor: Bill Stinchcomb | Character: Lynch Mob
Actor: Charles Sutherland | Character: Man at Train Station
Actor: Ian Wallace | Character: Harvard Student
Actor: Mario Wanza | Character: Wiley Student
Actor: Donald Warnock | Character: The Chief Harvard Judge
Actor: Mike Wendt | Character: Havard Student
Actor: Russell Woron-Simons | Character: Harvard Debate Attendee
Actor: Adam Zalt | Character: Harvard Student, Navy Sailor
[Directors Group]
Name: Denzel Washington | Role: Director
[Writers Group]
Name: Robert Eisele | Role: Writer
Name: Jeffrey Porro | Role: Writer
Name: Tony Scherman | Role: Writer
[Producers Group]
Name: Molly Allen | Role: Producer
Name: Todd Black | Role: Producer
Name: David Crockett | Role: Producer
Name: Kate Forte | Role: Producer
Name: Melody Fowler | Role: Producer
Name: Joe Roth | Role: Producer
Name: Valerie Scoon | Role: Producer
Name: Bob Weinstein | Role: Producer
Name: Harvey Weinstein | Role: Producer
Name: Oprah Winfrey | Role: Producer
[Music Group]
Name: Peter Golub | Role: Composer
Name: James Newton Howard | Role: Composer
[Cinematography Group]
Name: Philippe Rousselot | Role: Cinematographer
[Casting Group]
Name: Denise Chamian | Role: Casting Director
[Production Design Group]
Name: David J. Bomba | Role: Production Designer
[Art Direction Group]
Name: John R. Jensen | Role: Art Director
[Set Decoration Group]
Name: Patrick Cassidy | Role: Set Decorator
[Costume Design Group]
Name: Sharen Davis | Role: Costume Designer
[Makeup Department]
Name: Belinda Anderson | Role: Makeup Department
Name: Matiki Anoff | Role: Makeup Department
Name: Kristen Barry | Role: Makeup Department
Name: Howard Berger | Role: Makeup Department
Name: Anneliese Boise | Role: Makeup Department
Name: Andrea Bowman | Role: Makeup Department
Name: Jack Bricker | Role: Makeup Department
Name: Nikki I Brown | Role: Makeup Department
Name: Elizabeth Cecchini | Role: Makeup Department
Name: Larry M. Cherry | Role: Makeup Department
Name: Cheryl Daniels | Role: Makeup Department
Name: Carl Fullerton | Role: Makeup Department
Name: Valerie Gladstone-Appel | Role: Makeup Department
Name: LaToya Henderson | Role: Makeup Department
Name: Janice Hudson | Role: Makeup Department
Name: Linda Lazar | Role: Makeup Department
Name: Brenda McNally | Role: Makeup Department
Name: Greg Nicotero | Role: Makeup Department
Name: Gary Pawlowski | Role: Makeup Department
Name: Denise Pugh-Ruiz | Role: Makeup Department
Name: Joanna Raskin | Role: Makeup Department
Name: Kellie Robinson | Role: Makeup Department
Name: Joe Rossi | Role: Makeup Department
Name: Khanh Trance | Role: Makeup Department
Name: Kenneth Walker | Role: Makeup Department
Name: Crystal Woodford | Role: Makeup Department
Name: Andrea Young | Role: Makeup Department
[Production Management]
Name: Valerie Bleth Sharp | Role: Production Manager
Name: Kelly Carmichael | Role: Production Manager
Name: Tim Clawson | Role: Production Manager
Name: David Crockett | Role: Production Manager
Name: Carla Gardini | Role: Production Manager
Name: Michael Jackman | Role: Production Manager
Name: Eileen Malyszko Lee | Role: Production Manager
Name: Jeff Maynard | Role: Production Manager
Name: Tracy McGrath | Role: Production Manager
Name: Brian McNulty | Role: Production Manager
Name: Jeff Valeri | Role: Production Manager
[Assistant Directors]
Name: George Bott | Role: Second Unit or Assistant Director
Name: Natalie S. Clunis | Role: Second Unit or Assistant Director
Name: Greg Hale | Role: Second Unit or Assistant Director
Name: Kali R. Harrison | Role: Second Unit or Assistant Director
Name: Jono Oliver | Role: Second Unit or Assistant Director
Name: Eric Yellin | Role: Second Unit or Assistant Director
Name: Tommy Martin | Role: Second Unit or Assistant Director
[Art Department]
Name: Dean Allison | Role: Art Department
Name: Genny Bamburg | Role: Art Department
Name: Sean Bernard | Role: Art Department
Name: Robert Bowden | Role: Art Department
Name: Dillon Jim Breithaupt | Role: Art Department
Name: Helen Britten | Role: Art Department
Name: Kathy Brunswick | Role: Art Department
Name: Ed Burcham | Role: Art Department
Name: Andrew M. Casbon III | Role: Art Department
Name: Scott Childers | Role: Art Department
Name: Tom Christopher | Role: Art Department
Name: Derek Devers | Role: Art Department
Name: Kevin Fleming | Role: Art Department
Name: Scott Forster | Role: Art Department
Name: Patrick Fuhrman | Role: Art Department
Name: Shellie Gillespie | Role: Art Department
Name: Susanna Glattly | Role: Art Department
Name: Chad Harris | Role: Art Department
Name: Jerry G. Henery | Role: Art Department
Name: Phillip Joffrion | Role: Art Department
Name: Joey Kent | Role: Art Department
Name: Andree Lago | Role: Art Department
Name: Steve Laks | Role: Art Department
Name: Elizabeth Mire | Role: Art Department
Name: Larry Misselhorn | Role: Art Department
Name: Ryan Misselhorn | Role: Art Department
Name: Mike Monckton | Role: Art Department
Name: John W. Morgan | Role: Art Department
Name: Deborah Norris Jensen | Role: Art Department
Name: William Nutt | Role: Art Department
Name: Cory Parker | Role: Art Department
Name: James Passanante | Role: Art Department
Name: Adele Plauche | Role: Art Department
Name: Sonda L. Rowland | Role: Art Department
Name: Tommy Samona | Role: Art Department
Name: Rob Simons | Role: Art Department
Name: Floyd B. Sterling | Role: Art Department
Name: Gary Damian Thomas | Role: Art Department
Name: Gordon Thomas | Role: Art Department
Name: Azhriaz Vanashta | Role: Art Department
Name: Chris M. Wilson | Role: Art Department
Name: Jason Wilson | Role: Art Department
Name: Paul Wilson | Role: Art Department
Name: Eric Wolfe | Role: Art Department
Name: Keith Abel | Role: Art Department
Name: Cecile Aymami | Role: Art Department
Name: Adam D. Bouchard | Role: Art Department
Name: Gail Briant | Role: Art Department
Name: Debbie Cutler | Role: Art Department
Name: Jennifer Engel | Role: Art Department
Name: Joey Gbur | Role: Art Department
Name: J.D. Jacoby | Role: Art Department
Name: Jason Glenn Jimes | Role: Art Department
Name: Lindanne Lewis | Role: Art Department
Name: Rebecca McKibben | Role: Art Department
Name: Eric Orr | Role: Art Department
Name: Adam Roffman | Role: Art Department
Name: Christopher Sawtelle | Role: Art Department
Name: John N. Wood | Role: Art Department
[Sound Department]
Name: Kami Asgar | Role: Sound Department
Name: Richard Branca | Role: Sound Department
Name: Stacy Brownrigg | Role: Sound Department
Name: Willie D. Burton | Role: Sound Department
Name: Anita Cannella | Role: Sound Department
Name: Dorian Cheah | Role: Sound Department
Name: Michael Dressel | Role: Sound Department
Name: Kim Drummond | Role: Sound Department
Name: Thom 'Coach' Ehle | Role: Sound Department
Name: Scott G.G. Haller | Role: Sound Department
Name: Steven Huerstel | Role: Sound Department
Name: Kevin Jette | Role: Sound Department
Name: Leilani Jones | Role: Sound Department
Name: Amy Kane | Role: Sound Department
Name: Jonathan Klein | Role: Sound Department
Name: Rick Kline | Role: Sound Department
Name: Tateum Kohut | Role: Sound Department
Name: Howard London | Role: Sound Department
Name: John Marquis | Role: Sound Department
Name: Herwig Maurer | Role: Sound Department
Name: Julianne McCormack | Role: Sound Department
Name: Sean McCormack | Role: Sound Department
Name: Erin Oakley | Role: Sound Department
Name: Greg Orloff | Role: Sound Department
Name: Fred Peck III | Role: Sound Department
Name: Eryne Prine | Role: Sound Department
Name: Elizabeth Rainey | Role: Sound Department
Name: Jacob Riehle | Role: Sound Department
Name: Carmine Rubino | Role: Sound Department
Name: Brian Smith | Role: Sound Department
Name: Gary A. Theard | Role: Sound Department
Name: Tim Tuchrello | Role: Sound Department
Name: Jon Wakeham | Role: Sound Department
Name: Mark Agostino | Role: Sound Department
Name: Shawn Harper | Role: Sound Department
Name: Jarrett Simon | Role: Sound Department
Name: Jared Watt | Role: Sound Department
[Special Effects]
Name: Chris Cera | Role: Special Effects
Name: Jeff Edwards | Role: Special Effects
Name: Joe Giles | Role: Special Effects
Name: Brian Goehring | Role: Special Effects
Name: Steve Hartman | Role: Special Effects
Name: Grady Holder | Role: Special Effects
Name: Carey Jones | Role: Special Effects
Name: James Leonard | Role: Special Effects
Name: Jack Lynch | Role: Special Effects
Name: Tony Matijevich | Role: Special Effects
Name: Christina Prestia | Role: Special Effects
Name: Caleb Schneider | Role: Special Effects
Name: Andy Schoneberg | Role: Special Effects
Name: Shannon Shea | Role: Special Effects
Name: Lino Stavole | Role: Special Effects
Name: A.J. Venuto | Role: Special Effects
Name: David Wogh | Role: Special Effects
Name: Jeffery D. Woodrel | Role: Special Effects
Name: Javier Zepeda | Role: Special Effects
Name: Bob Trevino | Role: Special Effects
[Visual Effects]
Name: Ryan Laney | Role: Visual Effects
Name: Brian McNulty | Role: Visual Effects
Name: Thomas Mathai | Role: Visual Effects
[Stunts]
Name: Austin Anderson | Role: Stunts
Name: TD Antwine | Role: Stunts
Name: Kevin Beard | Role: Stunts
Name: Bobby Beckles | Role: Stunts
Name: Gregg Brazzel | Role: Stunts
Name: Lex D. Geddings | Role: Stunts
Name: Thirl Haston | Role: Stunts
Name: Jim Henry | Role: Stunts
Name: Jack Little | Role: Stunts
Name: Eric Norris | Role: Stunts
Name: Stephen A. Pope | Role: Stunts
Name: Robert Powell | Role: Stunts
Name: Steven Ritzi | Role: Stunts
Name: Russell Towery | Role: Stunts
Name: Guss Williams | Role: Stunts
Name: Joe Nin Williams | Role: Stunts
[Camera and Electrical Department]
Name: Phillip Abeyta | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Tarik Naim Alherimi | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: James Babineaux | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Bob Bates | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Stephen Beasley | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Patrick Bensimmon | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Giovanni Bommarito | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Bryan Booth | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Xiomara Comrie | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Scott D. Davis | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: John Gregory Edwards | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Eric Engler | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Jack English | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Donny Fowler | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Dan Furst | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Jose 'Flecha' Hernandez | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Darryl Humber | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Gary Kelso | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Mark La Bonge | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: David Lee | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Sean J. O'Shea | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Myron Parran | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Frank Parrish | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Simone Perusse | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: C. Alan Rawlins | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Kerry Rawlins | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Pamela Rittelmeyer | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Jacob Ross | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Edwin Rubio | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Ted Sapp | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Gina Scagnelli | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Riko Schatke | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Jed Seus | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Tiffani L. Stephenson | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Stephen Thorp | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Gary Tolbert | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Tedd Underwood | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Jeremy Webre | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Rick Cardillo | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Mark J. Casey | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Robert Clark | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Sean Cruz | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Tim Driscoll | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Dru Dunnaway | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Kevin Gazdik | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Eric Goddard | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Gonzalo Gonzalez | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Paul Goroff | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Guy Holt | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Dan Hutchinson | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Brent Swampy Mullins | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Robert Owen | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: T.J. Sebren | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Randy Tharpe | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Todd Thompson | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
Name: Steven J. Winslow | Role: Camera and Electrical Department
[Casting Department]
Name: Natalie Ballesteros | Role: Casting Department
Name: Kate Carlin | Role: Casting Department
Name: Angela Demo | Role: Casting Department
Name: Christopher Gray | Role: Casting Department
Name: Christian Juneau | Role: Casting Department
Name: Tracy Kilpatrick | Role: Casting Department
Name: Brent Paxton | Role: Casting Department
Name: Carolyn Pickman | Role: Casting Department
Name: Carlos Rodríguez Mejías | Role: Casting Department
Name: Selisa Sirls | Role: Casting Department
Name: Lamar Williams | Role: Casting Department
Name: Matt Bouldry | Role: Casting Department
Name: Marisa Kushner | Role: Casting Department
Name: Aileen McCall | Role: Casting Department
[Costume and Wardrobe Department]
Name: Yvonne Bastidos | Role: Costume Department
Name: Darek Beeman | Role: Costume Department
Name: Lauren Bott | Role: Costume Department
Name: Toby Bronson | Role: Costume Department
Name: Rendell Bryce | Role: Costume Department
Name: Megan Coates | Role: Costume Department
Name: Renee Dodson | Role: Costume Department
Name: Andrée Fortier | Role: Costume Department
Name: Bobbie Frankel | Role: Costume Department
Name: Julia Gombert | Role: Costume Department
Name: Mitzi Haralson | Role: Costume Department
Name: Dana Kay Hart | Role: Costume Department
Name: Frances Jacques-LeCompte | Role: Costume Department
Name: Shannon Jantz | Role: Costume Department
Name: Anaya Kellogg | Role: Costume Department
Name: Krystle Lamoreaux | Role: Costume Department
Name: Kenneth Lecompte | Role: Costume Department
Name: Max Newman | Role: Costume Department
Name: Meriwether Nichols | Role: Costume Department
Name: Frank Perry Rose | Role: Costume Department
Name: Riki Lin Sabusawa | Role: Costume Department
Name: Felipe Sanchez | Role: Costume Department
Name: Amanda Simonelli | Role: Costume Department
Name: Gayle Smith | Role: Costume Department
Name: Giselle Spence | Role: Costume Department
Name: Liz Staub | Role: Costume Department
Name: Jodie Stern | Role: Costume Department
Name: Susan Thomas | Role: Costume Department
Name: Bunny Walker | Role: Costume Department
Name: Helen Wilson | Role: Costume Department
Name: Diah Wymont | Role: Costume Department
Name: Rosa J. Colón | Role: Costume Department
Name: Fran Cox | Role: Costume Department
Name: Hillary Derby | Role: Costume Department
Name: Rebecca Hofherr | Role: Costume Department
Name: Alanna Keenan | Role: Costume Department
Name: Chris Love | Role: Costume Department
Name: Alyson MacInnis | Role: Costume Department
Name: Marienne O'Brien | Role: Costume Department
Name: Roric Ruegsegger | Role: Costume Department
Name: Ellen Ryba | Role: Costume Department
Name: Paul St. John | Role: Costume Department
Name: Jessica L. Therrien | Role: Costume Department
Name: Brittany Trusler | Role: Costume Department
Name: Danny Vick | Role: Costume Department
Name: Taryn Walsh | Role: Costume Department
[Editorial Department]
Name: Geraud Brisson | Role: Editorial Department
Name: Pete Conlin | Role: Editorial Department
Name: Ian Crockett | Role: Editorial Department
Name: Roland Eisinger | Role: Editorial Department
Name: Scott Freeman | Role: Editorial Department
Name: Mo Henry | Role: Editorial Department
Name: Jonathan Hoffman | Role: Editorial Department
Name: Curtis Lindersmith | Role: Editorial Department
Name: Allan Marasco | Role: Editorial Department
Name: Marcel Wolthers | Role: Editorial Department
[Location Management]
Name: Alex Borys | Role: Location Management
Name: Karen Brady | Role: Location Management
Name: Christina DeCharles | Role: Location Management
Name: Robert M. Donaldson | Role: Location Management
Name: Raine Hall | Role: Location Management
Name: Charles Harrington | Role: Location Management
Name: Jeff N. Maclean | Role: Location Management
Name: Phillip Messinger | Role: Location Management
Name: Steve Oare | Role: Location Management
Name: Kei Rowan-Young | Role: Location Management
Name: Joshua Youman | Role: Location Management
Name: Joshua D. Clark | Role: Location Management
Name: David Margulis | Role: Location Management
Name: Christopher Plummer | Role: Location Management
Name: Karen Stark | Role: Location Management
[Music Department]
Name: Chris Bacon | Role: Music Department
Name: Maya Beiser | Role: Music Department
Name: Christine Bergren | Role: Music Department
Name: Mark Berrow | Role: Music Department
Name: Billy Rivers & The Angelic Voices of Faith | Role: Music Department
Name: Richard Bissill | Role: Music Department
Name: Thomas Bowes | Role: Music Department
Name: Hugh Burns | Role: Music Department
Name: Chris Cozens | Role: Music Department
Name: Peter Davies | Role: Music Department
Name: Eddie Delena | Role: Music Department
Name: Geoff Foster | Role: Music Department
Name: Matt Franko | Role: Music Department
Name: Grambling State University Band | Role: Music Department
Name: Gavin Greenaway | Role: Music Department
Name: Isobel Griffiths | Role: Music Department
Name: Stephen Hayes | Role: Music Department
Name: Dave Holden | Role: Music Department
Name: Joel Iwataki | Role: Music Department
Name: Todd Kasow | Role: Music Department
Name: Charles Lacy | Role: Music Department
Name: Rachel Levy | Role: Music Department
Name: Christopher Lord | Role: Music Department
Name: Charlotte Matthews | Role: Music Department
Name: Barbara McDermott | Role: Music Department
Name: Everton Nelson | Role: Music Department
Name: Julia Marie Newmann | Role: Music Department
Name: Larry Pannell | Role: Music Department
Name: John Parricelli | Role: Music Department
Name: Victor Pesavento | Role: Music Department
Name: Jeff Powell | Role: Music Department
Name: Roger Rhodes | Role: Music Department
Name: G. Marq Roswell | Role: Music Department
Name: Jonathan Snowden | Role: Music Department
Name: Pamela J. Sollie | Role: Music Department
Name: Adam Swart | Role: Music Department
Name: Stuart Michael Thomas | Role: Music Department
Name: Greg Vines | Role: Music Department
Name: Rosemary Warren-Green | Role: Music Department
Name: Wiley College Choir | Role: Music Department
Name: Oscar Zambrano | Role: Music Department
Name: Warren Zielinski | Role: Music Department
Name: Rachel Bolt | Role: Music Department
Name: Brad Dechter | Role: Music Department
Name: Elew | Role: Music Department
Name: Paul S. Henning | Role: Music Department
Name: Skaila Kanga | Role: Music Department
Name: Steve Mair | Role: Music Department
Name: Sean Stolper | Role: Music Department
Name: Allen Walley | Role: Music Department
Name: Bruce White | Role: Music Department
[Production Department]
Name: Danny 'Dano' Anderson | Role: Production Department
Name: Natalia Anderson | Role: Production Department
Name: Antravian D. Carter | Role: Production Department
Name: Ian Crockett | Role: Production Department
Name: Kenneth Donaldson | Role: Production Department
Name: Brooke Estrada | Role: Production Department
Name: Kevin Gaspard | Role: Production Department
Name: Hodge Grigsby | Role: Production Department
Name: Jason Halley | Role: Production Department
Name: Terry L. Harris | Role: Production Department
Name: Brendan Harvey | Role: Production Department
Name: David Heffler | Role: Production Department
Name: Melissa Henderson | Role: Production Department
Name: Nicki Johnson | Role: Production Department
Name: Teresa Jolene Lee | Role: Production Department
Name: Katrina Parsons | Role: Production Department
Name: Patrick Pfupajena | Role: Production Department
Name: Allan Rafael | Role: Production Department
Name: Alajahwon Ridgeway | Role: Production Department
Name: Antonio Caetano Santos | Role: Production Department
Name: George Sholley | Role: Production Department
Name: Melinda Simpson | Role: Production Department
Name: Jeff Valeri | Role: Production Department
Name: Andria Warren | Role: Production Department
Name: Ricky R. Weaver | Role: Production Department
Name: Meredith Wieck | Role: Production Department
Name: Shaun Aponik | Role: Production Department
Name: Barbara Babb | Role: Production Department
Name: Richard E. Carter II | Role: Production Department
Name: Brooke Coleman | Role: Production Department
Name: Derek Cunningham | Role: Production Department
Name: Ramses del Hierro | Role: Production Department
Name: Catherine Feeny | Role: Production Department
Name: Paul Huber | Role: Production Department
Name: Mark Killian | Role: Production Department
Name: Brooke Lehman | Role: Production Department
Name: Jeffery Mannarini | Role: Production Department
Name: Meghan Maro | Role: Production Department
Name: Robin Maxkii | Role: Production Department
Name: Matthew D. Miller | Role: Production Department
Name: Carter Mitchell | Role: Production Department
Name: Bill Parris | Role: Production Department
Name: Colby Peterson | Role: Production Department
Name: Cali Pomes | Role: Production Department
Name: Gregory M. Smith | Role: Production Department
Name: Mimi Watstein | Role: Production Department
Name: John West | Role: Production Department
[Script and Continuity Department]
Name: Karen Golden | Role: Script and Continuity Department
Name: Tom Epperson | Role: Script and Continuity Department
Name: Horton Foote | Role: Script and Continuity Department
Name: Suzan-Lori Parks | Role: Script and Continuity Department
[Transportation Department]
Name: Bobby Anderson | Role: Transportation Department
Name: Annette Ansley | Role: Transportation Department
Name: Johnny B. Antwine | Role: Transportation Department
Name: David Balsley | Role: Transportation Department
Name: Richard Benavidez | Role: Transportation Department
Name: Adrian Cannon | Role: Transportation Department
Name: Bret Carroll | Role: Transportation Department
Name: Richard A. Davis | Role: Transportation Department
Name: John DeVay | Role: Transportation Department
Name: James C. Donahue | Role: Transportation Department
Name: Juan Echavarria | Role: Transportation Department
Name: Monte Emery | Role: Transportation Department
Name: Phil K. Frost | Role: Transportation Department
Name: David Glavin | Role: Transportation Department
Name: John Gregorio | Role: Transportation Department
Name: Joseph M. Hancock | Role: Transportation Department
Name: Gerald Hardy | Role: Transportation Department
Name: Daniel Hines | Role: Transportation Department
Name: Robert Jepson | Role: Transportation Department
Name: Richard Lengle | Role: Transportation Department
Name: Jorge Loredo | Role: Transportation Department
Name: Kim Magruder | Role: Transportation Department
Name: Wende Martin | Role: Transportation Department
Name: Lori Maxwell | Role: Transportation Department
Name: Dale Moser | Role: Transportation Department
Name: Ted Moser | Role: Transportation Department
Name: Justin Nance | Role: Transportation Department
Name: William O'Brien | Role: Transportation Department
Name: Eugene Purcell | Role: Transportation Department
Name: Beverly Reeves | Role: Transportation Department
Name: Gavin Roberson | Role: Transportation Department
Name: Bob 'Smitty' Smith | Role: Transportation Department
Name: Timothy Stephens | Role: Transportation Department
Name: Jorge Vasquez | Role: Transportation Department
Name: DeAnna Weippert | Role: Transportation Department
Name: William West | Role: Transportation Department
Name: Hank Van Apeldoorn | Role: Transportation Department
[Additional Crew]
Name: Nicole Anderson | Role: Additional Crew
Name: John Bankson | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Jackie Bazan | Role: Additional Crew
Name: C. Alan Berry | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Stephanetta Bingley | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Jenna Block | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Rob Brown | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Unjoo Lee Byars | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Alison Cannon | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Shaun Cobbs | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Christine Coggins | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Mona Coulter | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Gino Crognale | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Diane Davis | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Michael Deak | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Alex Diaz | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Gino Falla | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Anna Fuson | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Dianne Grigsby | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Chad Hahne | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Lisa Halliday | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Terry L. Harris | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Dan Haygood | Role: Additional Crew
Name: David Hickey | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Whitney Hicks | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Leah Holmes | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Jamie Horwitz | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Nancy G. James | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Mindy Jones | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Laine R. Kline | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Ashley Kravitz | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Ronald J. Levin | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Yvan Lucas | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Daryll Manning | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Pere Molina | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Greg Nicotero | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Nannette Palmer | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Cory Patt | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Brent Paxton | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Rita Pearson | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Tammy Peck | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Christian Prejza | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Erik Proveaux | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Virle S. Reid | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Michael Reilly | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Tom Reiser | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Edgar Robles | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Dirk Rogers | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Phil Scalisi | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Bruce Schluter | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Anne Scott | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Mark Sharon | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Frederick Shear | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Scott Stein | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Stream | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Brian Stuart | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Cid Swank | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Jules Sylvester | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Shannon Thompson | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Arthur Welch | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Delano Wilson | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Lee Wimer | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Lois Yaroshefsky | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Ann Bennett | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Brian George | Role: Additional Crew
Name: James L. Jensen | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Victoria Marie | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Ryan McPeake | Role: Additional Crew
Name: J.P. Ouellette | Role: Additional Crew
Name: Kim Quam | Role: Additional Crew
[Thanks]
Name: Thomas Freeman | Role: Thanks
Name: Clarice P. Lowe | Role: Thanks
Name: J. Marie McCleary | Role: Thanks
Name: Melvin B. Tolson Jr. | Role: Thanks
Name: Henrietta Wells | Role: Thanks
Trailers
The Great Debaters | Type: Trailer | IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/video/vi900858137/ | Playback: https://imdb-video.media-imdb.com/vi900858137/1434659607842-pgv4ql-1616203344392.mp4?Expires=1788426706&Signature=boWoeRhRH4iNPMZAZzs-Pqwsm3D9U9eBOjUj9EoPqS6chzuPt0VFfVYQwD8CojYHGCIzEWUBYvXZrvrYNUSgslrM5C9Q4682V4nNbWrB~VX8KsUTXSmETrZ3MtfVHsiR9LUv4xvFHiB4zBqKNjB-ryFR8o5TVHzpF7edYQN8gUCuvjptNuLYaHB3l0vbTWP3xCcXBMZgTnxtqMkA6JvWu68NvxWAuezUhJMI2SLBlSV086iCoIe0QNMXUzFY6K89hMHqj100JaPxdn9vA2OrajPGRj9agfSRVupG-~ntKWtbrdU677kwm2a0xArllqvuKUoXH4~zCB6VDWxNQtE-yQ__&Key-Pair-Id=APKAIFLZBVQZ24NQH3KA
The Great Debaters: Tolson's Message (Exclusive) | Type: Clip | IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/video/vi3099837465/ | Playback: https://imdb-video.media-imdb.com/vi3099837465/1434659607842-pgv4ql-1677870539943.mp4?Expires=1788426706&Signature=t8xMRMkxQX1~uLqCPEefOqYbgIlWlG6szLXejgNoliWzEa7r0oyz6xzYNqagWlBKK8H7was50fnWB~QVIdN2dNiBL1SgLZWBUIqEM7OPgqUqv-1CAlG1NNro79cND9P1InGTK~SsuHuweQYIq4e0URgwv4-P38xbICtp7yUQqOLfUz0SjrABrtrQlmf9u5tOaKS6kWgGbLPhNCsKRZ5N-uoChrSDy40mRyEowNbg~SfVMTtl-iUhATEGJbZSh5JmIcCd0DjM7DkvH6mpge3GGd4Zk04l0FjSlY5IQfuD-7nAHPYGn6mdD16rBMgaAL4xGDLOiafvoiklzyGAgRa4~A__&Key-Pair-Id=APKAIFLZBVQZ24NQH3KA
Release Schedule
United States: December 11, 2007 (Los Angeles, California, premiere)
United States: December 19, 2007 (New York City, New York, premiere)
Canada: December 25, 2007
United States: December 25, 2007
Brazil: January 25, 2008
Australia: May 13, 2008 (DVD premiere)
Italy: May 13, 2008 (DVD premiere)
Netherlands: October 6, 2009 (DVD premiere)
Sweden: December 2, 2009 (DVD premiere)
Norway: December 9, 2009 (DVD premiere)
United Kingdom: January 11, 2011 (Blu-ray release)
Romania: May 6, 2011
Japan: July 16, 2011 (TV premiere)
United Arab Emirates: August 22, 2011 (DVD premiere)
South Africa: August 22, 2011 (DVD premiere)
Germany: November 7, 2011 (DVD premiere)
Portugal: January 9, 2012
Poland: February 21, 2013 (Afro-Ameryka Film Festival)
Germany: February 13, 2014 (Blu-ray premiere)
Taiwan: March 11, 2016 (DVD premiere)
Poland: March 17, 2016 (TV premiere)
Egypt: October 20, 2022 (DVD premiere)
Awards
Winner | 2007 | National Board of Review, USA | Freedom of Expression Award | The Great Debaters
Nominee | 2008 | Golden Globes, USA | Golden Globe | Best Motion Picture - Drama | The Great Debaters
Winner | 2008 | Christopher Awards | Christopher Award | Feature Films | Denzel Washington, Robert Eisele, Todd Black, Kate Forte, Oprah Winfrey, Joe Roth, Molly Allen, Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein, David Crockett, The Great Debaters
Winner | 2008 | PGA Awards | Stanley Kramer Award | Todd Black, Kate Forte, Oprah Winfrey, The Great Debaters
Nominee | 2008 | Motion Picture Sound Editors, USA | Golden Reel Award | Best Sound Editing - Music in a Feature Film | Todd Kasow, The Great Debaters
Winner | 2008 | Image Awards (NAACP) | Image Award | Outstanding Motion Picture | The Great Debaters
Winner | 2008 | Image Awards (NAACP) | Image Award | Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture | Denzel Washington, The Great Debaters
Winner | 2008 | Image Awards (NAACP) | Image Award | Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture | Jurnee Smollett, The Great Debaters
Winner | 2008 | Image Awards (NAACP) | Image Award | Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture | Denzel Whitaker, The Great Debaters
Nominee | 2008 | Image Awards (NAACP) | Image Award | Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture | Nate Parker, The Great Debaters
Nominee | 2008 | Image Awards (NAACP) | Image Award | Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture | Forest Whitaker, The Great Debaters
Nominee | 2008 | Image Awards (NAACP) | Image Award | Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture (Theatrical or Television) | Denzel Washington, The Great Debaters
Nominee | 2008 | Image Awards (NAACP) | Image Award | Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture (Theatrical or Television) | Robert Eisele, The Great Debaters
Nominee | 2008 | Golden Trailer Awards | Golden Trailer | Best Drama TV Spot | The Great Debaters | For "Good".
Nominee | 2008 | Young Artist Awards | Young Artist Award | Best Performance in a Feature Film - Supporting Young Actor - Fantasy or Drama | Denzel Whitaker, The Great Debaters
Nominee | 2008 | Teen Choice Awards | Teen Choice Award | Choice Movie Breakout Female | Jurnee Smollett, The Great Debaters
Winner | 2008 | BET Awards | BET Award | Best Actor | Denzel Washington, The Great Debaters, American Gangster
Winner | 2007 | African-American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) | AAFCA Award | Best Picture | The Great Debaters
Winner | 2007 | Women Film Critics Circle Awards | Josephine Baker Award | The Great Debaters
Nominee | 2008 | KIDS FIRST! Film Festival | KIDS FIRST! Best Award | Feature Film, Ages 12-18 | The Great Debaters
Box Office
Romania: USD 35149
Domestic: USD 30236407
Period: Apr 11 – 13, 2008 | Rank: 107 | Weeks in release: 16 | Theaters: 8 | Gross to date: USD 30226144 | Interval gross: USD 3484 | Per theater average: USD 435
Period: Apr 4 – 6, 2008 | Rank: 90 | Weeks in release: 15 | Theaters: 24 | Gross to date: USD 30219326 | Interval gross: USD 7213 | Per theater average: USD 300
Period: Mar 28 – 30, 2008 | Rank: 71 | Weeks in release: 14 | Theaters: 40 | Gross to date: USD 30203433 | Interval gross: USD 17673 | Per theater average: USD 441
Period: Mar 21 – 23, 2008 | Rank: 55 | Weeks in release: 13 | Theaters: 113 | Gross to date: USD 30157871 | Interval gross: USD 40237 | Per theater average: USD 356
Period: Mar 21 – 24, 2008 | Rank: 39 | Theaters: 113 | Gross to date: USD 30164073 | Interval gross: USD 46439 | Per theater average: USD 410
Period: Mar 14 – 16, 2008 | Rank: 84 | Weeks in release: 12 | Theaters: 20 | Gross to date: USD 30113634 | Interval gross: USD 8134 | Per theater average: USD 406
Period: Mar 7 – 9, 2008 | Rank: 69 | Weeks in release: 11 | Theaters: 34 | Gross to date: USD 30098269 | Interval gross: USD 14419 | Per theater average: USD 424
Period: Feb 29 – Mar 2, 2008 | Rank: 67 | Weeks in release: 10 | Theaters: 47 | Gross to date: USD 30073532 | Interval gross: USD 25012 | Per theater average: USD 532
Period: Feb 22 – 24, 2008 | Rank: 60 | Weeks in release: 9 | Theaters: 75 | Gross to date: USD 30028691 | Interval gross: USD 40766 | Per theater average: USD 543
Period: Feb 15 – 17, 2008 | Rank: 44 | Weeks in release: 8 | Theaters: 105 | Gross to date: USD 29940739 | Interval gross: USD 92327 | Per theater average: USD 879
Period: Feb 15 – 18, 2008 | Rank: 44 | Theaters: 105 | Gross to date: USD 29961818 | Interval gross: USD 113406 | Per theater average: USD 1080
Period: Feb 8 – 10, 2008 | Rank: 41 | Weeks in release: 7 | Theaters: 156 | Gross to date: USD 29782255 | Interval gross: USD 138497 | Per theater average: USD 887
Period: Feb 1 – 3, 2008 | Rank: 35 | Weeks in release: 6 | Theaters: 264 | Gross to date: USD 29536943 | Interval gross: USD 257635 | Per theater average: USD 975
Period: Jan 25 – 27, 2008 | Rank: 26 | Weeks in release: 5 | Theaters: 390 | Gross to date: USD 29086170 | Interval gross: USD 538974 | Per theater average: USD 1381
Period: Jan 18 – 20, 2008 | Rank: 19 | Weeks in release: 4 | Theaters: 1021 | Gross to date: USD 27787656 | Interval gross: USD 1348191 | Per theater average: USD 1320
Period: Jan 18 – 21, 2008 | Rank: 18 | Theaters: 1021 | Gross to date: USD 28208755 | Interval gross: USD 1769290 | Per theater average: USD 1732
Period: Jan 11 – 13, 2008 | Rank: 15 | Weeks in release: 3 | Theaters: 1290 | Gross to date: USD 25633630 | Interval gross: USD 2345375 | Per theater average: USD 1818
Period: Jan 4 – 6, 2008 | Rank: 12 | Weeks in release: 2 | Theaters: 1290 | Gross to date: USD 22013765 | Interval gross: USD 4250948 | Per theater average: USD 3295
Period: Dec 28 – 30, 2007 | Rank: 11 | Weeks in release: 1 | Theaters: 1171 | Gross to date: USD 13256188 | Interval gross: USD 6005180 | Per theater average: USD 5128
Period: Dec 28, 2007 – Jan 1, 2008 | Rank: 11 | Weeks in release: 1 | Theaters: 1171 | Gross to date: USD 16435030 | Interval gross: USD 9184022 | Per theater average: USD 7842
Period: Dec 21 – 25, 2007 | Rank: 12 | Weeks in release: 1 | Theaters: 1164 | Gross to date: USD 3639116 | Interval gross: USD 3639116 | Per theater average: USD 3126