Before its premiere in Telluride, Carville: Winning is everything, stupidA new documentary about famed Democratic political consultant James Carville has been acquired by CNN Films, Deadline can confirm.
The company specifically acquired the television and SVOD rights for the US and Canada. Directed by Matt Tyrnauer (Where’s my Roy Cohn?), the film will premiere on CNN at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 5, will also stream on Max later this fall, and will receive an Oscar-qualifying theatrical release.
carville marks CNN Films’ third acquisition this year, following Luther: Never Too Much and the anticipated Super/Man: La historia de Christopher Reevewhich the company jointly sought with DC Studios, Warner Bros. Motion Pictures, HBO and Max.
Hailing from Altimeter Films, Winning is everything, stupid. It chronicles an 18-month period when Carville led efforts to persuade President Joe Biden not to run for re-election in 2024. Carville, famous for coining the phrase “It’s the economy, stupid” during Bill Clinton’s 1992 campaign, is portrayed not only in his political element but also in his personal life — spending time at his New Orleans home with his wife, Republican strategist Mary Matalin, and traveling around the country.
The film delves into Carville’s rise from his Southern roots to become a powerful figure in Washington, D.C., featuring interviews with prominent political figures including Bill Clinton, Al Hunt, Donna Brazile, George Stephanopoulos, Paul Begala, Mandy Grunwald, the Rev. Al Sharpton, Mitch Landrieu, and Sidney Blumenthal. Carville’s biography is interspersed with his current efforts to shape the landscape of the Democratic Party as an early evangelist in getting President Biden to give up seeking reelection, a move that put him at odds with the establishment he helped build.
Tyrnauer produced the documentary alongside Susan McCue, Ryan Rothmaier, Graham High and Corey Reeser.
Tyrnauer said: “James Carville redefined the art of political consulting and has maintained a household name since teaching Democrats how to win again in the 1990s. While filming this cinema verité movie, he also emerged as a powerful agent of change in the 2024 election, wielding his unique influence to radically change the party’s nominating process. We are thrilled that CNN Films is as excited as we are to share the story of this American original with audiences. We can’t think of a better partner.”
Amy Entelis, executive vice president of CNN Originals talent and creative development for CNN Worldwide, added: “Matt artfully weaves the rich story behind James Carville’s humble beginnings in Louisiana to finding success in his 40s, revealing how he became one of the most important forces in modern politics. But the surprising core of the film is James’ marriage to Republican strategist Mary Matalin. CNN Films is proud to bring audiences this unlikely love story that offers a ray of hope in our highly polarized times.”
Tyrnaeur, a three-time IDA Award-nominated filmmaker and journalist, is responsible for documentaries such as the Oscar-nominated Valentino: The Last Emperorabout fashion designer Valentino Garavani; Scotty and the secret history of Hollywoodabout the hidden sex lives of the stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age; Study 54offering a definitive account of the iconic New York nightclub; and Where’s my Roy Cohn?a scathing portrait of the infamous lawyer and political fixer, among others. His television credits include Victoria’s Secret: Angels and Demons y The Reagans.
CNN Group Senior Vice President Stacey Wolf negotiated the deal for CNN, with WME representing CNN Films and the filmmakers. THR was first to learn the news.
