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Based on the true story of Melvin B. Tolson, a professor at Wiley College Texas, who inspired students to form the school's first debate team, which went on to challenge Harvard in the national championship.
Original Release
12/25/2007
US Release
12/25/2007
Links
Cast
| Name | Character |
|---|
| Denzel Washington | Melvin B. Tolson |
| Nate Parker | Henry Lowe |
| Jurnee Smollett | Samantha Booke |
| Denzel Whitaker | James Farmer Jr. |
| Jermaine Williams | Hamilton Burgess |
| Forest Whitaker | Dr. James Farmer Sr. |
| Gina Ravera | Ruth Tolson |
| John Heard | Sheriff Dozier |
| Kimberly Elise | Pearl Farmer |
| Devyn A. Tyler | Helen Farmer |
Directors
Writers
Cast
| Name | Character |
|---|
| Denzel Washington | Melvin B. Tolson |
| Nate Parker | Henry Lowe |
| Jurnee Smollett | Samantha Booke |
| Denzel Whitaker | James Farmer Jr. |
| Jermaine Williams | Hamilton Burgess |
| Forest Whitaker | Dr. James Farmer Sr. |
| Gina Ravera | Ruth Tolson |
| John Heard | Sheriff Dozier |
| Kimberly Elise | Pearl Farmer |
| Devyn A. Tyler | Helen Farmer |
| Trenton McClain Boyd | Nathaniel Farmer |
| Ritchie Montgomery | Deputy |
| Jackson Walker | Pig Owner |
| Tim Parati | Pig Farmer |
| Robert X. Golphin | Dunbar Reed |
| Justice Leak | Harland Osbourne |
| Glen Powell | Harvard Debater #1 |
| Brad Watkins | Harvard Debater #2 |
| Brian Smiar | Harvard Dean |
| Damien Leake | Wilson |
Producers
| Name | Role |
|---|
| David Crockett | Executive Producer |
| Bob Weinstein | Executive Producer |
| Harvey Weinstein | Executive Producer |
| Molly Allen | Producer |
| Todd Black | Producer |
| Kate Forte | Producer |
| Melody Fowler | Producer |
| Joe Roth | Producer |
| Valerie Scoon | Producer |
| Oprah Winfrey | Producer |
Editors
Clips
The Great Debaters: Tolson's Message (Exclusive)
| Year | Type | Category | Won |
|---|
| 2008 | Golden Globe | Best Motion Picture - Drama | Nominated |
