USA Network to Premiere Academy Award-Winning Film SCHINDLERS LIST With Special Introduction, 2/23

NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Chairman Bonnie Hammer today announced the newest classic in the quarterly film series that builds upon the Characters Unite public service campaign to promote greater tolerance and acceptance. A special presentation of one of the most important films of our generation, Schindler's List, will air on USA Network, Saturday, February 23 at 8/7c, during USA's third Characters Unite Month and coinciding with the film's 20th Anniversary. Schindler's List, which tells an extraordinary true story of courage and faith that continues to inspire, will be presented commercial-free, with a special personal introduction by the film's Oscar-winning director, Steven Spielberg.

"Without question, Schindler's List is one of the most powerful films I've ever seen," said Hammer. "It's the ultimate example of the profound difference an individual can make when he takes a stand against hate and intolerance."

With its initial release in 1993, Schindler's List rapidly became one of the most honored films of all time, garnering twelve Academy Award nominations and taking home seven Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director for Spielberg. The film also earned Oscars for composer John Williams, screenwriter Steven Zaillian and director of photography Janusz Kaminiski, as well as art directors Allan Starski and Ewa Braun, editor Michael Kahn and producers Gerald R. Molen and Branko Lustig. Liam Neeson received a Best Actor Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Oskar Schindler. Ralph Fiennes' star-making performance as the cruel Nazi commander, Amon Goeth, was nominated for Best Supporting Actor, as was Oscar-winner Ben Kingsley in the role of Schindler's Jewish accountant, Itzhak Stern.

Adapted from the novel by Thomas Keneally, Steven Spielberg's masterful film tells the incredible true story of the courageous Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson). Initially a member of the Nazi party, the Catholic Schindler risks his career and life to employ and save over 1,100 Jews in his factory during the Holocaust. Schindler's Jewish accountant (Ben Kingsley) serves as his conscience, as Schindler conducts business with a cruel Nazi commander (Ralph Fiennes). Filmed entirely in black-and-white on location in Poland, Schindler's List does not downplay the faults of its magnanimous and unlikely hero, but relates a story of the triumph of the human spirit in The Face of horrific devastation and tragedy.

USA will offer additional information and resources at charactersunite.com and through the interactive second screen experience app, Zeebox, in partnership with the USC Shoah Foundation.

Characters Unite, USA Network's award-winning public service campaign was created to address the social injustices and cultural divides still prevalent in our society. Inspired by USA Network's iconic "Characters Welcome" brand and with the support of leading national nonprofit organizations, the ongoing campaign is dedicated to combating prejudice, discrimination and intolerance while promoting understanding and acceptance - on-air, online and in communities around the country.

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