John Krasinski’s 2016 war thriller, 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi, is widely remembered for its intense action sequences and gripping portrayal of the 2012 attacks on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Libya. The film follows a team of six ex-military contractors who battled overwhelming odds to protect American lives during the attack. Beyond its narrative and visual intensity, the movie’s technical craftsmanship, particularly in sound design, earned it a Best Sound Mixing nomination at the 2017 Academy Awards. However, this nomination would become infamous for all the wrong reasons, marking one of the rare instances in Oscar history where a nod was partially revoked.
Just a day before the ceremony, veteran sound mixer Greg P. Russell was found to have violated Academy rules by personally lobbying voters over the phone. While lobbying is common in Hollywood during awards season, the Academy’s strict rules prohibit direct solicitation of votes by nominees themselves. The discovery meant that Russell’s individual nomination was revoked, even though the rest of the sound team retained theirs. This unusual occurrence sparked significant discussion in Hollywood circles and made 13 Hours a notable example of an Oscar nomination being partially pulled, a rare event that underscored how seriously the Academy takes its voting rules.
Despite the controversy, the film’s sound work remained widely praised. Every gunshot, explosion, and moment of battlefield chaos was crafted with meticulous attention to detail, immersing viewers in the tense, chaotic environment of Benghazi. The sound design amplified the narrative’s tension, making audiences feel as though they were experiencing the battle firsthand. From the roar of helicopters overhead to the subtle shifts in quiet moments before an attack, the audio landscape of 13 Hours was both technically impressive and emotionally compelling. Critics and fans argued that the film’s sound deserved recognition in its own right, and many considered it a legitimate contender even without the lobbying scandal.
Ultimately, the Oscar went to Mel Gibson’s Hacksaw Ridge, another war film with acclaimed sound design. While 13 Hours did not walk away with the award, the incident remains a noteworthy piece of Academy history. The partial revocation highlighted the strict enforcement of Oscar rules and served as a cautionary tale for other nominees navigating awards season. In the years since, 13 Hours continues to be remembered not only for its harrowing storytelling and strong performances but also for its technical achievements and the unusual controversy surrounding its Oscar nomination.
Krasinski’s film stands as a testament to the power of immersive filmmaking and the importance of sound in creating tension and realism. The behind-the-scenes drama of its Oscar journey adds another layer to its legacy, making 13 Hours a war film that resonates both on and off the screen.
