U.Va. Center for Politics’ Documentary ‘Out of Order’ Earns Emmy Nomination

The University of Virginia Center for Politics’ latest documentary, “Out of Order,” has been nominated for an Emmy Award for Best Topical Documentary. The 30-minute film, produced by the Center for Politics and PBS Community Idea Stations and directed by Paul Tait Roberts, explores political gridlock in Washington, D.C.

The nomination through the Capital Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences was announced May 13; winners will be announced June 15 at the 55th Annual Emmy Awards dinner in Baltimore.

This is the latest in a string of more than a half-dozen awards and honors recognizing documentary films produced by a longstanding partnership between the PBS Community Ideas Stations (based in Richmond) and the Center for Politics.

“Out of Order: Civility in Politics” relies on interviews with prominent academics, journalists, political observers and senior (current and former) elected officials to explore partisanship and dysfunction in American government. Among the interviewees are Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Mark Warner (D-Va.); former Sens. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.) and John Warner (R-Va.); Bob Schieffer of CBS News; and Center for Politics Director Larry J. Sabato.

Over the past several months, “Out of Order” has aired on more than 180 PBS stations across the country, including broadcasts in top markets such as Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington. 

An extended preview of “Out of Order” is available here.

The Center for Politics and the Community Idea Stations are currently producing their fifth project, a new documentary marking the 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. The documentary, which will also explore Kennedy’s influence on subsequent presidents, will be released nationally in the fall.