The American President

The American President is a 1995 American political romantic comedy drama film directed and produced by Rob Reiner and written by Aaron Sorkin. The film stars Michael Douglas as President Andrew Shepherd, a widower who pursues a romantic relationship with environmental lobbyist Sydney Ellen Wade (Annette Bening) – who has just moved to Washington, D.C. – while at the same time attempting to win the passage of a crime control bill during a re-election year. Martin Sheen, Michael J. Fox and Richard Dreyfuss star in supporting roles.

The American President grossed $107.9 million on a budget of $62 million, and was praised by critics for its performances (especially Douglas’s and Bening’s), musical score, story, and screenplay. The film earned composer Marc Shaiman a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Original Musical or Comedy Score. The film was nominated for 5 Golden Globes: Best Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Director, Best Actor – Musical or Comedy, Best Actress – Musical or Comedy, and Best Screenplay. In 2002, the American Film Institute ranked The American President No. 75 on its list of America's Greatest Love Stories.