Moneyball is a 2011 American biographical sports drama film directed by Bennett Miller.
featuring a screenplay by Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin, based on the book Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game by Michael Lewis. The film stars Brad Pitt as Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland Athletics, who faces the challenge of assembling a competitive baseball team on a limited budget. Alongside him, Jonah Hill plays Peter Brand, a Yale-educated economist who helps Beane apply a data-driven approach to player selection.
The plot centers on Beane's innovative strategy of using sabermetrics to identify undervalued players, allowing the Athletics to compete against wealthier teams. Faced with skepticism from traditionalists within the organization, including field manager Art Howe, portrayed by Philip Seymour Hoffman, Beane's methods initially encounter resistance. However, as the season progresses, the unconventional team begins to achieve unexpected success, leading to a historic winning streak.
Released on September 23, 2011, Moneyball was both a commercial success and critically acclaimed, grossing over $110 million worldwide against a budget of $50 million. The film received six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Pitt, and Best Supporting Actor for Hill. Critics praised the film for its sharp writing, strong performances, and its ability to transform a niche subject into an engaging narrative that resonates beyond the realm of sports.
The film's exploration of themes such as innovation, teamwork, and the challenges of breaking from tradition makes it not just a sports film but a broader commentary on the nature of success and the importance of thinking differently. Moneyball has since become a significant work in sports cinema, celebrated for its intelligent storytelling and its portrayal of a transformative moment in baseball history.