After various limited releases, the Touchstone film O Brother, Where Art Thou?, the story of three escapees from a Mississippi prison chain gang, ran into theaters on this day in 2001. Set in the Depression-era Deep South, the three shackled prisoners pursue their freedom and the return to their homes. Featuring George Clooney, John Turturro, and Tim Blake Nelson, the film, based on Homer’s Odyssey, captured Academy Award® nominations for Best Screenplay Adaptation and Cinematography. Although the film did not run off with the Oscars, the multi-platinum bluegrass soundtrack made it home with five Grammys®, including the coveted Album of The Year award.
