Ben Affleck's "Air" is primed for an Oscars run as the Michael Jordan sneaker story is set to hit theaters worldwide

Ben Affleck’s upcoming Michael Jordan film titled “Air” is set to be released in theaters on April 5. The movie tells the story of how Jordan partnered with marketing executives Sonny Vaccaro and Nike as a rookie in the 1980s.

The film's synopsis describes it as a “partnership that revolutionized the world of sports and contemporary culture.” The movie has received rave reviews from critics so far, currently sitting at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes with 19 reviews. This has led to speculation that Air could be a serious 2024 Oscar contender.

Air features Ben Affleck as Nike founder Phil Knight, Oscar-nominee Matt Damon as Sonny Vaccaro and Oscar-winner Viola Davis as Deloris Jordan, Michael Jordan’s mother. Affleck has also previously directed successful award contenders such as “Argo,” which won best picture at the 2013 Oscars.

Air features a strong acting ensemble and sharp directing, and is telling a true story that is unknown to many.

The biggest obstacle for the movie may end up being its early release date, as Oscar contenders usually release later in the year, starting in the fall. However, given the fact that the film is an inspirational true story, there should be a good chance of remaining relevant later in the year. Plus, with the availability of streaming services and the presence of social media marketing, release dates aren’t as important as they used to be.

How have sports movies like "Air" fared at the Oscars?

Moneyball (2011)

According to Variety’s Clayton Davis, there have been 17 sports movies nominated for best picture all-time:

“Depending on your definition of what qualifies as a ‘sports movie,’ there have been 17 nominated for best picture in 95 years, with three winners: ‘Rocky’ (1976), ‘Chariots of Fire’ (1981) and ‘Million Dollar Baby’ (2004),” Davis wrote.

Davis also compared "Air" to the baseball film “Moneyball,” which was nominated for six Oscars, including best picture at the 2012 Oscars:

“Elements of ‘Air’ will draw comparisons to Bennett Miller’s ‘Moneyball’ (2011), which mixed a look at the Oakland A’s 2002 season with a wonky look at the way Billy Beane embraced sophisticated sabermetrics as a way to get an edge on richer teams,” Davis wrote.

All of this bodes well for Air’s chances of securing one of the 10 best picture nominations at next year’s Oscars. Plus, Air potentially becoming a success at the box office should only increase its chances.