Political Film and Television: The Politics of the Biopic

Lincoln, directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Daniel Day-Lewis, won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2012. It depicted the life and presidency of Abraham Lincoln, focusing on his efforts to abolish slavery during the American Civil War.

Darkest Hour, directed by Joe Wright and starring Gary Oldman, was released in 2018 and focused on Churchill's early days as Prime Minister during World War II.

Meryl Streep played Margaret Thatcher in 'The Iron Lady', which earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2012.

On the Basis of Sex, directed by Mimi Leder and starring Felicity Jones, depicted the early life and career of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, focusing on her fight for gender equality.

Oliver Stone directed the 1995 biopic 'Nixon', which starred Anthony Hopkins as the 37th President of the United States, Richard Nixon.

Jackie, directed by Pablo Larraín and starring Natalie Portman, focused on the life of Jacqueline Kennedy in the aftermath of her husband John F. Kennedy's assassination.

Idris Elba played Nelson Mandela in 'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom', which depicted Mandela's life from his early years as an anti-apartheid activist to his presidency of South Africa.

Selma, directed by Ava DuVernay and starring David Oyelowo, focused on Martin Luther King Jr.'s leadership of the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965.

Helen Mirren won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in 'The Queen', which depicted the aftermath of Princess Diana's death.

Steve Jobs, directed by Danny Boyle and starring Michael Fassbender, depicted the life and career of the Apple co-founder and CEO.

Denzel Washington played Malcolm X in Spike Lee's 1992 biopic, which depicted the life and assassination of the African-American Muslim leader.

On the Basis of Sex, directed by Mimi Leder and starring Felicity Jones, depicted the early life and career of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, focusing on her fight for gender equality.

Meryl Streep played Margaret Thatcher in 'The Iron Lady', which earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2012.

Harriet, directed by Kasi Lemmons and starring Cynthia Erivo, depicted the life and activism of Harriet Tubman, who helped enslaved people escape to freedom via the Underground Railroad.

Bill Murray played Franklin D. Roosevelt in 'Hyde Park on Hudson', which focused on Roosevelt's relationship with his distant cousin Margaret Stuckley.