by Shaurya Thakur

Clint Eastwood's latest excursion behind the camera, "Richard Jewell" will have its world premiere at AFI Fest. This is a huge boost for the movie's Oscar chances, as it already has a release date of December 13, 2019, which puts it just in the sweet spot for awards consideration.

AFI president and CEO Bob Gazzale said in a statement, "Clint Eastwood is an American icon. It is an honor for AFI to premiere this next chapter in his storied career - one that continues to enrich the nation's cultural legacy with undeniable impact."

Previously called "The Ballad of Richard Jewel," "Richard Jewell" is about an American security guard Richard Jewell, (Played by I, Tonya breakout Paul Walter Hauser) who heroically saves thousands of lives from a bomb explosion at the 1996 Olympics. However, he was unjustly vilified by journalists and the press who falsely report that he was a terrorist.

Clint Eastwood will direct from Billy Ray's script who adapted Marrie Brenner's Vanity Fair article "American Nightmare: The Ballad of Richard Jewell. "The movie also stars Sam Rockwell, Olivia Wilde, Jon Hamm, Kathy Bates, and Nina Arianda in pivotal roles.