Moneyball is a 2011 biographical drama film directed by Bennett Miller, with a screenplay written by Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin. Based on Michael Lewis’s book Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game, the film is inspired by a true story. It had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Plot

The film follows Billy Beane (played by Brad Pitt), the general manager of the Major League Baseball team Oakland Athletics, as he attempts to build a competitive roster despite a limited budget. Rejecting traditional baseball scouting methods, Beane adopts a revolutionary approach based on statistical analysis for selecting players. This data-driven strategy allows him to challenge wealthier teams with a more cost-effective but efficient lineup.

^{Moneyball Official Trailer (TRT 2)}

Themes

Moneyball delves into challenging deeply rooted traditions in the sports world, striving for success in an unequal system, and the importance of taking calculated risks. It also highlights how individuals can lead change by holding onto their beliefs and examines the influence of statistical analysis in modern sports.

Cast and Characters

• Brad Pitt – Billy Beane
• Jonah Hill – Peter Brand
• Philip Seymour Hoffman – Art Howe
• Robin Wright – Sharon
• Kerris Dorsey – Casey Beane
• Chris Pratt – Scott Hatteberg
• Stephen Bishop – David Justice
• Casey Bond – Chad Bradford

Awards and Nominations

Moneyball received a total of 29 awards and 82 nominations.

Academy Awards (Oscars):

• Best Picture – Nominee
• Best Actor: Brad Pitt – Nominee
• Best Supporting Actor: Jonah Hill – Nominee
• Best Film Editing – Nominee
• Best Sound Mixing – Nominee

BAFTA Awards:

• Best Adapted Screenplay – Nominee
• Best Actor: Brad Pitt – Nominee
• Best Supporting Actor: Jonah Hill – Nominee

Critics’ Awards and Others:

• Boston Society of Film Critics: Best Actor (Brad Pitt), Best Screenplay
• New York Film Critics Circle: Best Actor, Best Screenplay
• AFI Awards: Movie of the Year
• Multiple nominations from major organizations such as the Golden Globes, Critics Choice Awards, and the Screen Actors Guild Awards

Box Office

The film had an estimated production budget of $50 million.

• Total box office in the U.S. and Canada: $75,605,492
• Opening weekend in the U.S. and Canada: $19,501,302
• Worldwide gross: $110,206,216

Significance

Moneyball holds a distinct place among sports films. Rather than following a conventional sports narrative, it focuses on statistical analysis and mathematical strategy. Billy Beane’s data-driven approach represents a paradigm shift not only in baseball but also in broader sports management. Based on real events and bolstered by strong lead performances, the film garnered international recognition and numerous nominations from prestigious award-giving bodies.