The Oprah Winfrey Network announced that it has acquired the TV rights for the Nelson Mandela biopic: Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.
Starting in 2017, OWN will begin airing the Idris Elba-led film, reports Variety.
OWN President Erik Logan said of the acquisition, "We couldn't be more honored to showcase this powerful film to the OWN viewers." He added, "Nelson Mandela was Oprah's here, and ultimately, the inspiration behind Oprah's school in South Africa."
According to Deadline, the film based upon Mandela's life from an early age through to his work while the South African president will be shown on pay TV and is not the first movie that the network has landed the rights for.
Lee Daniels' The Butler will also be shown on OWN starting in 2017, which is not surprising since Oprah herself appeared in the film.
Variety notes that she is even up for a Screen Actors Guild award for her role. The Butler was also nominated for an ensemble award at SAG.
image: TWC