Icarus (2017 film)

Icarus is a 2017 American documentary film directed by Bryan Fogel. The film explores the complex world of doping in sports, particularly focusing on the Russian doping scandal. It won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 90th Academy Awards.

Plot[edit | edit source]

The film begins with Bryan Fogel, an amateur cyclist, who sets out to investigate the effects of performance-enhancing drugs on his own performance. He contacts Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov, the head of the Russian anti-doping laboratory, to assist him in his experiment. As the story unfolds, Rodchenkov reveals the extent of Russia's state-sponsored doping program, leading to a major international scandal.

Production[edit | edit source]

Icarus was produced by Netflix and premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 20, 2017. The film was later released on Netflix on August 4, 2017. The production of the film involved extensive research and undercover work to expose the doping practices.

Reception[edit | edit source]

The film received critical acclaim for its in-depth investigation and compelling storytelling. It holds a high rating on Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic. Critics praised the film for its eye-opening revelations and the bravery of its subjects.

Awards[edit | edit source]

Icarus won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2018. It also received several other awards and nominations, including the Special Jury Award at the Sundance Film Festival.

Impact[edit | edit source]

The revelations in Icarus led to significant consequences in the world of sports, including the banning of Russian athletes from several international competitions. The film also sparked widespread discussions about the ethics of doping and the measures needed to ensure fair play in sports.