Jesus Christ Superstar (film)

Jesus Christ Superstar is a 1973 American musical Biblical drama film directed by Norman Jewison, and co-written by Jewison and Melvyn Bragg, based on the 1970 concept album of the same name written by Tim Rice and composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, which in turn inspired a 1971 musical. The film depicts the conflict between Judas and Jesus and the emotions and motivations of the main characters during the week of the crucifixion of Jesus. It stars Ted Neeley, Carl Anderson, Yvonne Elliman and Barry Dennen.

Jesus Christ Superstar premiered at the Uptown Theater in Washington D.C. on June 26, 1973, and was released theatrically in the United States on August 15, 1973. Despite criticism from a few religious groups and mixed reviews from critics, the film was a box office success. Neeley, Anderson, and Elliman were nominated for Golden Globe Awards in 1974, for their portrayals of Jesus, Judas, and Mary Magdalene, respectively. The film was also nominated for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, and received an Oscar nomination for Best Score.