OWN acquires rights to 'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom'

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Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network is flexing its muscles again — this time acquiring the broadcast rights to Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, the biopic, currently in theaters, starring Idris Elba.

The film will premiere on the cable channel in 2017.

“We couldn’t be more honoured to showcase this powerful film to the OWN viewers. Nelson Mandela was Oprah’s hero, and ultimately, the inspiration behind Oprah’s school in South Africa. His story of forgiveness and redemption is a gift not only to the people he touched, but to the world,” OWN president Erik Logan said.

While the film has received mixed reviews, Elba did score a Golden Globe nomination for best actor for his performance in the title role.

OWN recently made headlines when they purchased the rights to Winfrey’s film The Butler back in September of 2013.

That film will also likely make its OWN debut in 2017.