Center for Politics’ Film, ‘The Kennedy Half Century,’
Earns Emmy Nomination

John F. Kennedy headshot

The University of Virginia Center for Politics’ latest documentary, “The Kennedy Half Century,” has been nominated for a regional Emmy Award for Best Historical Documentary. The one-hour documentary film, produced by the Center for Politics and Community Idea Stations and directed by Paul Tait Roberts, chronicles the impact and influence of John F. Kennedy’s life, administration and tragic death on the public, the media and every subsequent U.S. president.

The documentary is part of a larger Center for Politics project exploring Kennedy’s life and legacy that includes: A New York Times bestselling book, “The Kennedy Half Century,” by U.Va. politics professor and center founder Larry J. Sabato; a state-of-the-art website; a free online course through Coursera and iTunes U (in which more than 100,000 students worldwide have enrolled over the last year); and a mobile app that allows users to explore the Dallas police audio tapes from the events of Nov. 22, 1963.

The National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences announced its 2013 nominations, including “The Kennedy Half Century,” on May 13. Winners will be revealed at the 56th Annual Emmy Awards event on June 14 in Silver Spring, Maryland.

The Center for Politics and Community Idea Stations have previously partnered on a number of documentary projects, including last year’s Emmy-winning “Out of Order,” a film that explores gridlock and hyper-partisanship in Congress.

The two outfits are currently producing a documentary marking the 50th anniversary of the landmark 1964 presidential campaign. The film will be released nationally in the fall.

The National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences is a non-profit, professional organization serving the Maryland, Virginia and Washington television community. The academy’s Emmy Award is the industry’s benchmark for the recognition of television excellence.

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