View source for Hotel Rwanda

{{short description|2004 drama film}}
{{EngvarB|date=September 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2017}}
{{Infobox film
| name           = Hotel Rwanda
| image          = Hotel Rwanda movie.jpg
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| based_on       = 
| director       = [[Terry George]]
| producer       = {{ubl|Terry George|[[A. Kitman Ho]]}}
| writer         = {{Plainlist|
* [[Keir Pearson]]
* Terry George
}}
| starring       = {{Plainlist|
* [[Don Cheadle]]
* [[Sophie Okonedo]]
* [[Joaquin Phoenix]]
* [[Nick Nolte]]
}}
| music          = {{Plainlist|
* [[Afro Celt Sound System]]
* [[Rupert Gregson-Williams]]
* [[Andrea Guerra (composer)|Andrea Guerra]]
}}
| cinematography = [[Robert Fraisse (cinematographer)|Robert Fraisse]]
| editing        = [[Naomi Geraghty]]
| studio         = {{Plainlist|
* [[United Artists]]
* [[Lions Gate Films]] 
* Miracle Pictures<ref name="afi">{{cite web |title=Hotel Rwanda (2004) |work=[[AFI Catalog of Feature Films]] |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/63109-HOTEL-RWANDA |access-date=6 March 2023 }}</ref>
* Seamus<ref name="afi"/>
* The Industrial Development Corporation<ref name="numbers" />
* Inside Track<ref name="numbers" />
* [[James D. Stern|Endgame Entertainment]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.endgameent.com/project/25/Hotel_Rwanda/ |title=Endgame |access-date=11 November 2021 |archive-date=24 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160824055943/http://www.endgameent.com/project/25/Hotel_Rwanda/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
}}
| distributor    = [[MGM Distribution Co.]] (United States and Canada)<br>[[Entertainment Film Distributors]] (United Kingdom)<ref name="BoxOfficeMojo"/><br>Mikado Distribuzione (Italy)<ref name="BoxOfficeMojo"/><br>[[Summit Entertainment]] (International)
| released       = {{Film date|2004|09|11|[[2004 Toronto International Film Festival|TIFF]]|2005|02|04|United States|2005|03|11|Italy|df=yes}}
| runtime        = 121 minutes
| country        = {{ubl|United States|United Kingdom|South Africa|Italy}}
| language       = {{ubl|English|French|Kinyarwanda}}
| budget         = $17.5 million<ref name="numbers">{{cite web |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movies/2004/RWNDA.php |title=Hotel Rwanda |website=The Numbers |access-date=19 September 2010}}</ref>
| gross          = $33.9 million<ref name="BoxOfficeMojo" />
}}

'''''Hotel Rwanda''''' is a 2004 [[Biographical film|biographical]] [[historical drama]] film co-written and directed by [[Terry George]]. It was adapted from a screenplay by George and [[Keir Pearson]], and stars [[Don Cheadle]] and [[Sophie Okonedo]] as hotelier [[Paul Rusesabagina]] and his wife [[Tatiana Rusesabagina|Tatiana]]. The film depicts Rusesabagina's efforts to save the lives of his family and more than 1,500 other refugees by providing them with shelter in the besieged [[Hôtel des Mille Collines]] during the [[Rwandan genocide]], which occurred during the spring of 1994.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Burr|first=Ty|date=7 January 2005|title=Hotel Rwanda Movie Review: Cheadle brings quiet power to 'Rwanda'|url=https://www.boston.com/movies/display?display=movie&id=7112|url-status=dead|journal=[[Boston Globe]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430050749/http://www.boston.com/movies/display?display=movie&id=7112|archive-date=April 30, 2008|access-date=9 April 2007}}</ref> ''Hotel Rwanda'' explores [[genocide]], political corruption, and the repercussions of violence.<!--<ref name="film"/>-->

The film was a co-production between [[United Artists]] and [[Lions Gate Films]], and was commercially distributed by United Artists theatrically and by [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]] for home media. ''Hotel Rwanda'' premiered in theaters in limited release in the United States on 22 December 2004 and in wide release on 4 February 2005, grossing more than $23 million in domestic ticket sales. It earned an additional $10 million in business through international release to top out at a combined total of nearly $34 million in gross revenue.

The film was nominated for multiple awards, including Academy Award nominations for [[Academy Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]] (Cheadle), [[Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress|Best Supporting Actress]] (Okonedo), and [[Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay|Best Original Screenplay]].

==Plot==
In April 1994, Rwanda is engulfed in a [[Rwandan Civil War|civil war]] between the [[Hutu]]-controlled government and [[Tutsi]] [[Rwandan Patriotic Front|rebels]], and corruption and bribes between politicians are routine. Hutu [[Paul Rusesabagina]] is the manager of the Belgian-owned [[Hôtel des Mille Collines]]. His marriage with Tutsi Tatiana is a source of friction with [[Hutu Power|Hutu extremists]], including [[Georges Rutaganda]], a goods supplier to the hotel who is also the local leader of [[Interahamwe]], a brutal Hutu militia.
Paul curries favor with [[Rwandan Army]]  general [[Augustin Bizimungu]], who favors the Hutu. Following [[Assassination of Juvénal Habyarimana and Cyprien Ntaryamira|the assassination of the Hutu president]], Paul and his family observe neighbors being killed. When [[Rwandan Genocide|reprisal massacres]] erupt and a [[Rwandan Army]] Captain threatens Paul and his neighbors, Paul barely negotiates their safety and brings them to the hotel. Upon returning with them, he finds his insolent receptionist Gregoire occupying the presidential suite and threatening to expose the Tutsi refugees, including Paul's wife, if he is made to work.

The [[UN peacekeeping]] forces, led by Canadian Colonel Oliver, are forbidden to intervene in the conflict. Paul's boss and owner of the hotel, who lives in Belgium, apologizes to him over the phone, saying there's nothing he can do to provide safe passage for him and his family. The foreign nationals are evacuated, but the Rwandans are left behind.

More evacuees arrive at the hotel from the overburdened United Nations refugee camp, the [[Red Cross]], and various orphanages, totaling 800, both Tutsi and Hutu. Tatiana desperately searches for her brother, sister-in-law, and two nieces. As the situation becomes more violent, Paul must divert the Hutu soldiers, care for the refugees, protect his family, and maintain the appearance of a functioning 4-star hotel. Paul forces Gregoire to work with the help of Bizimungu.

Low on supplies, Paul and Gregoire drive to collect hotel supplies from Rutaganda and witness the Interahamwe militia raping Tutsi hostages. Georges explains to Paul that [[Rwandan franc|the "rich cockroaches" money]] will become worthless since all of the Tutsis will be killed. They return to the hotel through the fog on the riverside road recommended by Georges, finding it is carpeted with dead bodies.

When the UN forces attempt to evacuate a group of refugees, including Paul's family, Gregoire betrays them to the Interahamwe, who use [[RTLM]] radio broadcasts to accost them. After giving Bizimungu the remaining valuables and Scotch from his office safe to protect the refugees, Paul admonishes Bizimungu for genocide apathy and promises to testify on his behalf for his help. Soon afterward, Paul's family and the hotel refugees are finally able to leave the besieged hotel in a UN convoy. They travel through retreating masses of refugees and militia to reach safety behind Tutsi rebel lines and are reunited with their nieces.

The end title cards explain that Paul saved at least 1,200 Tutsi and Hutu refugees. He and his family, who adopted the two nieces, moved to [[Belgium]], but Tatiana's brother Thomas and his wife were never found. The genocide came to an end in July 1994 when the Tutsi rebels drove the Hutu and the Interahamwe militia across the border into the Congo. At least 800,000 people died in the genocide. Georges and Bizimungu were tried and sentenced for war crimes, with Georges receiving a life sentence.

==Cast==
{{multiple image
| align = right
| image1 = Don Cheadle UNEP 2011 (cropped).jpg
| width1 = 155
| alt1 = 
| caption1 = 
| image2 = Paul Rusesabagina.jpg
| width2 = 155
| alt2 = 
| caption2 = 
| footer = Actor Don Cheadle (L) portrayed Rwandan hotelier Paul Rusesabagina (R)
}}
{{div col}}
* [[Don Cheadle]] as [[Paul Rusesabagina]]
* [[Sophie Okonedo]] as [[Tatiana Rusesabagina]]
* [[Nick Nolte]] as Colonel Oliver, loosely based on General [[Roméo Dallaire]]
* [[Joaquin Phoenix]] as Jack Daglish, loosely based on peacekeeper [[Stefan Steć]]
* [[Desmond Dube]] as Dube
* [[David O'Hara]] as Dave Flemming
* [[Cara Seymour]] as Pat Archer
* [[Fana Mokoena]] as General [[Augustin Bizimungu]]
* [[Hakeem Kae-Kazim]] as [[Georges Rutaganda]]
* [[Tony Kgoroge]] as Gregoire
* Mosa Kaiser as Elys Rusesabagina
* Mathabo Pieterson as Diane Rusesabagina
* Ofentse Modiselle as Roger Rusesabagina
* Antonio Lyons as Thomas Mirama
* [[Leleti Khumalo]] as Fedens Mirama
* Kegomotso Seitshohlo as Anais Mirama
* Lerato Mokgotho as Carine Mirama
* [[Mduduzi Mabaso]] as a Hutu Lieutenant
* [[Jean Reno]] as Mr. Tillens (uncredited)
* [[Eugene Wanangwa Khumbanyiwa]] as Hotel Staff (uncredited)
{{div col end}}

== Production and historical accuracy==
In 1999, Rusesabagina received a phone call from an American [[screenwriter]] named [[Keir Pearson]].<ref>Rusesabagina (2007), 239.</ref> Pearson, along with his colleague [[Terry George]], went on to write the script for ''Hotel Rwanda'' in consultation with Rusesabagina.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The 77th Academy Awards {{!}} 2005 |url=https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2005 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001230127/http://oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2005 |archive-date=1 October 2015 |access-date=11 February 2021 |website=Oscars.org {{!}} Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences |date=5 October 2014 |language=en}}</ref> Sharing his thoughts about the lack of international intervention during the crisis, director Terry George commented, "It's simple ... African lives are not seen as valuable as the lives of Europeans or Americans."<ref name="geogra">{{Cite web |author=Stefan Lovgren |date=9 December 2004 |title='Hotel Rwanda' Portrays Hero Who Fought Genocide |url=https://www.troup.org/userfiles/929/My%20Files/Social%20Studies/World%20History/unit_13/Concept%202/Hotel%20Rwanda%20Article.doc?id=24940 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908200850/http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/12/1209_041209_hotel_rwanda.html |archive-date=September 8, 2017 |access-date=30 August 2013 |publisher=[[National Geographic News]]}}</ref>

Rusesabagina has since come under criticism from some survivors of the Genocide. In 2008, the book ''Hotel Rwanda, or, the Tutsi Genocide as seen by Hollywood'' by Alfred Ndahiro, who was a former advisor to [[Paul Kagame]], and journalist Privat Rutazibwa, was published.<ref>{{cite book | title=Hotel Rwanda or the tutsi genocide as seen by Hollywood. | publisher=L'Harmattan | publication-place=Paris | date=2012 | isbn=978-2-296-19180-8 | oclc=1100973151}}</ref> The authors conducted interviews with 74 people who had stayed in the Hotel during the Genocide. ''Inside the Hotel Rwanda: The Surprising True Story … And Why it Matters Today'', co-written by Hotel des Mille Collines Survivor Edouard Kayihura and American author Kerry Zukus, was published in 2011.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Kayihura |first1=Edouard |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KQs3EAAAQBAJ |title=Inside the Hotel Rwanda: The Surprising True Story ... and Why It Matters Today |last2=Zukus |first2=Kerry |date=2014-04-01 |publisher=BenBella Books, Inc. |isbn=978-1-937856-73-1 |language=en}}</ref>

The books include allegations that during the Genocide, Rusesabagina extorted money from hotel guests for rooms and food.<ref name="guardian">{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2011/nov/17/hotel-rwanda-hollywood-ending|title=Hotel Rwanda – without the Hollywood ending|author=Linda Melvern|date=17 November 2011|access-date=22 June 2014|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> It was also reported that the UN headquarters in Kigali received information that Rusesabagina had provided a Rwandan army commander with a list of hotel guests and their room numbers. UN observers managed to change the room numbers of those most threatened.<ref name="guardian" /> The character of the Canadian Colonel is based on Senator [[Roméo Dallaire]], now retired Lieutenant-General from the Canadian Armed Forces. Dallaire was not pleased with the film's portrayal of the events that he witnessed, arguing he and his men did far more to help survivors.<ref>{{Cite web |title=June 2: Failure to Protect Session 3 – "Inside the UN Security Council, April – July 1994" |url=https://nsarchive2.gwu.edu/NSAEBB/NSAEBB508/docs/Rwanda%20Final%20Transcript%20Day%202.pdf |access-date=2024-08-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-09-14|title=Correcting the depiction of the "Hotel Rwanda hero"|url=https://africanarguments.org/2020/09/correcting-the-depiction-of-the-hotel-rwanda-hero/|access-date=2021-06-21|website=African Arguments|language=en-GB}}</ref> He recounted his own experiences in his biography, ''[[Shake Hands with the Devil (book)|Shake Hands with the Devil]]''. The book was later adapted into two feature films; a [[Shake Hands with the Devil: The Journey of Roméo Dallaire|documentary]], and a [[Shake Hands with the Devil (2007 film)|2007 dramatic motion picture]].

In response to critics, [[Odette Nyiramilimo]], a prominent survivor who became a senator in the new government, pushed back against Paul Rusesabagina's suspected bad-faith intentions, saying: "I never saw him threaten to expel people from the hotel if they didn’t pay up — never."<ref name="hammer">{{Cite news |last=Hammer |first=Joshua |date=2 March 2021 |title=He Was the Hero of 'Hotel Rwanda.' Now He's Accused of Terrorism. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/02/magazine/he-was-the-hero-of-hotel-rwanda-now-hes-accused-of-terrorism.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304042317/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/02/magazine/he-was-the-hero-of-hotel-rwanda-now-hes-accused-of-terrorism.html |archive-date=4 March 2021 |access-date=4 March 2021 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

George stated that it was important to craft the film for a mass-market audience, using the question of whether the film is "going to [[Will it play in Peoria?|play in Peoria?]] Will it be understood? Is it mainstream enough?"<ref name="GeorgeIntMirrorSpec">{{cite news|url=https://mirrorspectator.com/2017/04/20/director-terry-george-speaks-about-the-promise/|title=Director Terry George Speaks about 'The Promise'|last=Paul T. Boghosian|date=2017-04-20|newspaper=[[Armenian Mirror-Spectator]]|access-date=2019-06-08}}</ref>

== Filming ==
Principal filming was shot on location in [[Kigali]], Rwanda, and [[Johannesburg]], South Africa.<ref name="film">[[Terry George]]. (2004). ''Hotel Rwanda'' [Motion picture]. United States: [[United Artists]].</ref> The real Hôtel des Mille Collines was not used in the film. Instead, a vacant hospital in South Africa was the primary filming location.<ref>https://www.discoverafricancinema.com/beautiful-filming-locations-in-south-africa/</ref> Paul Rusesabagina was consulted during the writing of the film. Although the character of Colonel Oliver played by Nolte is fictional in nature, the role was inspired by the UN force commander for [[UNAMIR]], Roméo Dallaire.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/review/shake-hands-with-the-devil-the-journey-of-rom%c3%a9o-dallaire|title=Shake Hands With the Devil: The Journey of Roméo Dallaire|author=Gonzalez, Ed|date=6 May 2005|work=[[Slant Magazine]]|access-date=2 October 2014}}</ref> Ugandan president [[Yoweri Museveni]], then-Rwandan president [[Juvénal Habyarimana]], and Rwandan Patriotic Front leader (now president) [[Paul Kagame]] appear in archive television footage in the film.

The producers of the film partnered with the [[United Nations Foundation]] to create the International Fund for Rwanda, which supported [[United Nations Development Programme]] initiatives assisting Rwandan survivors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.un.org/press/en/2005/iha1031.doc.htm|title=United Nations welcomes establishment of international fund for Rwanda|date=4 April 2005|publisher=[[United Nations]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317085510/http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2005/iha1031.doc.htm|archive-date=March 17, 2014|access-date=30 August 2013}}</ref> "The goal of the film is not only to engage audiences in this story of genocide but also to inspire them to help redress the terrible devastation," said George.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.globalproblems-globalsolutions-files.org/unf_website/PDF/unf_overview_2005.pdf|title=United Nations Foundation Overview|publisher=United Nations Foundation|access-date=18 June 2010}}</ref>

=== Soundtrack ===
The original motion picture soundtrack for ''Hotel Rwanda'' was released by the Commotion label on 11 January 2005. It features songs written by [[Wyclef Jean]], [[Deborah Cox]], and others. The music for the film was composed by [[Rupert Gregson-Williams]], [[Andrea Guerra (composer)|Andrea Guerra]], and the [[Afro Celt Sound System]], while being edited by Michael Connell.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/movies/film/hotel-rwanda|title=Hotel Rwanda (2004)|publisher=Yahoo! Movies|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006070413/https://www.yahoo.com/movies/film/hotel-rwanda|archive-date=October 6, 2014|access-date=2 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/hotel-rwanda-mw0000142740/credits|title=Original Soundtrack Hotel Rwanda|website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=2 October 2014}}</ref>
{{external media
| float  = right
| headerimage= via [[File:YouTube 2024.svg|alt=YouTube logo|x20px|center]]
| audio1 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNIZLONHCE4 Million Voices (2005)] – Played throughout the movie and the credits.
| audio2 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUrPy6wG-i4 Umqombothi] – Played in the introduction of the movie 
}}
{{Infobox album
| name       = ''Hotel Rwanda: Music from the Film''
| type       = Film score
| artist     = Afro Celt Sound System and Rupert Gregson-Williams
| cover      =
| caption    =
| alt        =
| released   = {{Start date|2005|11|1|df=y}}
| recorded   =
| venue      =
| studio     =
| genre      =
| length     = 49:25
| label      = Commotion
| producer   =
| prev_title =
| prev_year  =
| next_title =
| next_year  =
}}

{{Track listing
| headline        = ''Hotel Rwanda: Music from the Film''
| total_length    = 49:25
| title1          = Mama Ararira Pt. 1/Mama Ararira We!, Pt. 2
| length1         = 3:41
| title2          = Mwali We!
| length2         = 1:09
| title3          = Million Voices
| length3         = 4:23
| title4          = Interahamwe Attack
| length4         = 2:48
| title5          = Nobody Cares
| length5         = 4:12
| title6          = [[Umqombothi (song)|Umqombothi (African Beer)]]
| length6         = 4:53
| title7          = The Road to Exile
| length7         = 4:47
| title8          = Whispered Song
| length8         = 3:06
| title9          = Finale
| length9         = 3:02
| title10         = Ambush
| length10        = 2:49
| title11         = Ne Me Laisse Pas Seule Ici
| length11        = 3:33
| title12         = Mwari Sigaramahoro
| length12        = 2:22
| title13         = Olugendo Lw'e Bulaya
| length13        = 5:54
| title14         = Children Found
| length14        = 1:57
| title15         = Icyibo
| length15        = 0:49
}}

==Marketing==
===Novel===
Hotelier Paul Rusesabagina's experience encouraged director George to produce the film. A paperback novel published by [[Newmarket Press]], titled ''Hotel Rwanda: Bringing the True Story of an African Hero to Film'', released on 7 February 2005, dramatizes the events of the Rwandan Genocide in 1994, as depicted in the film, and expands on the ideas of how Rusesabagina sheltered and saved more than 1,200 people in the hotel he managed in Kigali by summarizing three years of research, articles that chronicle the historical events, and the ensuing aftermath. A brief history and timeline, the making of the film, and the complete screenplay written by Keir Pearson and Terry George are covered in thorough detail.<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.newmarketpress.com/title.asp?pid=575|title=Hotel Rwanda Bringing the True Story of An African Hero to Film|date=7 February 2005|publisher=[[Newmarket Press]]|isbn=978-1-55704-670-3|access-date=17 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305211518/http://www.newmarketpress.com/title.asp?pid=575|archive-date=March 5, 2012|url-status=dead}}.</ref>

==Release==
===Home media===
Following its cinematic release in theaters, the film was released in VHS video format on 12 April 2005,<ref name="Amazon">{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007R4TRQ |title=Hotel Rwanda VHS Format |website=Amazon |date=12 April 2005 |access-date=6 June 2010}}</ref> marking the final [[United Artists]] film released on the format. The Region 1 Code widescreen edition of the film was also released on DVD in the United States on 12 April 2005. Special features for the DVD include; "A Message for Peace: Making Hotel Rwanda" documentary, "Return to Rwanda" documentary, Selected scenes commentary by Don Cheadle, Audio commentary by director Terry George and the real-life subject of the film–Paul Rusesabagina, along with select commentary by musician Wyclef Jean.<ref name="BarnesAndNoble">{{cite web |url=http://video.barnesandnoble.com/DVD/Hotel-Rwanda/Don-Cheadle/e/27616925121/?itm=1&USRI=hotel+rwanda#TABS |title=Hotel Rwanda Widescreen DVD |publisher=[[Barnes & Noble]] |access-date=6 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301214212/http://video.barnesandnoble.com/DVD/Hotel-Rwanda/Don-Cheadle/e/27616925121/?itm=1&USRI=hotel+rwanda#TABS |archive-date=1 March 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> 

Supplementally, the Blu-ray Disc edition of the film, featuring special documentaries along with selected scenes and audio commentary, was released in the United States on 10 May 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dvd-hotel-rwanda-don-cheadle/8564234?ean=883904232117 |title=Hotel Rwanda: Blu-ray |publisher=BarnesandNoble.com |access-date=1 May 2013}}</ref> The film is available in other media formats such as video on demand as well.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002BVOY7G |title=Hotel Rwanda: VOD Format |website=Amazon |access-date=15 November 2010}}</ref>

==Reception==
===Box office===
The film premiered in cinemas on 22 December 2004 in limited release throughout the US During its limited opening weekend, the film grossed $100,091 in business showing at seven locations. Its official wide release was screened in theaters on 4 February 2005.<ref name="BoxOfficeMojo">{{cite web |url=https://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=hotelrwanda.htm |title=Hotel Rwanda |website=[[Box Office Mojo]] |access-date=4 June 2010}}</ref> Opening in a distant 14th place, the film earned $2,316,416 showing at 823 cinemas. The film ''[[Boogeyman (film)|Boogeyman]]'' beat its competition during that weekend opening in first place with $19,020,655.<ref name="BoxOfficeResults">{{cite web |url=https://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=hotelrwanda.htm |title=February 4–6, 2005 Weekend |website=Box Office Mojo |access-date=6 June 2010}}</ref> The film's revenue dropped by 11.8% in its second week of release, earning $2,043,249. For this particular weekend, the romantic comedy ''[[Hitch (film)|Hitch]]'' unseated ''Boogeyman'' to open in first place with $43,142,214 in revenue, while ''Hotel Rwanda'' remained in 14th place not challenging a top 10 position.<ref name="BoxOfficeResults2">{{cite web |url=https://boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/?view=&yr=2005&wknd=06&p=.htm |title=February 11–13, 2005 Weekend |website=Box Office Mojo |access-date=6 June 2010}}</ref> During its final weekend in release, the film opened in 62nd place grossing $23,176 in business.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=weekend&id=hotelrwanda.htm |title=Hotel Rwanda Weekend Summary |website=Box Office Mojo |access-date=21 January 2011}}</ref> The film went on to top out domestically at $23,530,892 in total ticket sales through an 18-week theatrical run. Internationally, the film took in an additional $10,351,351 in box office business for a combined worldwide total of $33,882,243.<ref name="BoxOfficeMojo"/> For 2004 as a whole, the film would cumulatively rank at a box-office performance position of 99.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=hotelrwanda.htm |title=Domestic Total Gross |website=Box Office Mojo |access-date=5 August 2010}}</ref>

===Critical response===
Among mainstream critics in the U.S., the film received largely positive reviews.<ref name="meta">{{Cite web | url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/hotel-rwanda/ |title=Hotel Rwanda |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CNET Networks]] |access-date=1 January 2024}} </ref> On [[Rotten Tomatoes]] 91% of 191 critics gave the film a positive review, with an average score of 8/10 and the consensus calling it a "sobering and heartfelt tale about the massacre that took place in Rwanda while most of the world looked away."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/hotel_rwanda/ |title=Hotel Rwanda (2004) |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |publisher=[[Fandango Media]] |access-date=January 1, 2024 }}</ref> On [[Metacritic]], the film received a weighted average score of 79 out of 100, based on 40 reviews, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.<ref name="meta" />

{{quote box|quote=As Rusesabagina, Cheadle is simply terrific. Not only does he assume a totally believable African accent and manner, he also convinces us with every move and gesture that he's a resourceful Everyman elevated to genuine heroism by a struggle to do the right thing.|source=—William Arnold, writing in the ''[[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]]''<ref>Arnold, William (6 January 2005). [http://www.seattlepi.com/ae/movies/article/An-unforgettable-tale-of-heroism-and-hope-1163527.php An unforgettable Tale of Heroism and Hope]. ''[[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]]''. Retrieved 6 February 2014.</ref>|salign=right|align=left|width=35em}}

Michael Rechtshaffen, writing in ''The Hollywood Reporter'', stated actor "Cheadle impressively carries the entire picture, delivering the kind of note-perfect performance that's absolutely deserving of Oscar consideration."<ref>Rechtshaffen, Michael (22 December 2004). "Hotel Rwanda". ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]''. Retrieved 6 June 2010.</ref> Roger Ebert in the ''[[Chicago Sun-Times]]'' called it a "riveting drama", while exclaiming "The film works not because the screen is filled with meaningless special effects, formless action and vast digital armies, but because Cheadle, Nolte and the filmmakers are interested in how two men choose to function in an impossible situation. Because we sympathize with these men, we are moved by the film."<ref>{{Cite news | last=Ebert |first=Roger |author-link=Roger Ebert |date=21 December 2004 |title=A hotel 'diplomat' offers sanctuary from genocide |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/hotel-rwanda-2004 |newspaper=[[Chicago Sun-Times]] |access-date=1 January 2024 }}</ref> In the ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]'', [[Mick LaSalle]] wrote that the film was a "harrowing experience", and that "it documents for a mass audience what it was like. It's useful, in that it shows how it can happen. It's even hopeful, in that it shows that it's possible—not guaranteed, but possible—for people to maintain their humanity in the face of unhinged barbarism."<ref>Lasalle, Mick (7 January 2005). [http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/01/07/DDGIBALKFH1.DTL&type=movies Amid a massacre, an ordinary man stands tall to protect others]. ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]''. Retrieved 6 June 2010.</ref> Claudia Puig of ''USA Today'' stated the film was "one of the year's most moving and powerful films, anchored by a magnificent performance by Don Cheadle." She declared, "''Hotel Rwanda'' emerges as an African version of ''[[Schindler's List]]''."<ref>Puig, Claudia (21 December 2004). [https://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/reviews/2004-12-21-hotel-rwanda_x.htm Haunting 'Hotel Rwanda'].{{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051218114045/https://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/reviews/2004-12-21-hotel-rwanda_x.htm |archive-date=18 December 2005}} ''[[USA Today]]''. Retrieved 6 June 2010.</ref> The film was not without detractors, Dave Sterrit of ''[[The Christian Science Monitor]]'' felt that, although the subject matter was crucially important, "the movie dilutes its impact with by-the-numbers filmmaking, and Cheadle's one-note performance displays few of his acting gifts."<ref>Sterrit, David (14 January 2005). [https://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0114/p14s01-almo.html/(page)/2 Hotel Rwanda (PG-13)]. ''[[The Christian Science Monitor]]''. Retrieved 6 June 2010.</ref> Lisa Schwarzbaum of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' commented on the character significance of the U.N. personnel, she stated it was "a bad day for narrative, if not for diplomacy, when there is only one 3-D character among the entire U.N. lot, clad in their blue helmets, and that role is rasped by Nick Nolte with moral remorse rather than his more usual hint of dissolution." In her overall summation, she wrote "''Hotel Rwanda'' is a strange history lesson that leaves us more overlectured than properly overwhelmed."<ref>Schwarzbaum, Lisa (1 February 2005). [https://web.archive.org/web/20140413142921/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1014175,00.html Hotel Rwanda (2004)]. ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''. Retrieved 6 June 2010.</ref> Michael Atkinson of ''The Village Voice'', added to the negativity by stating the film was "told to us secondhand, or glimpsed in distant scuffles" and "Like the majority of movies about the last century of holocausts, ''Hotel Rwanda'' is as earnest and tasteful as its creators. To capture the white-hot terror of social calamity, someone a little more lawless and fierce might be called for."<ref>Atkinson, Michael (14 December 2004). [http://www.villagevoice.com/2004-12-14/film/cheadle-survives-a-timid-account-of-the-rwandan-genocide/1 Cheadle survives a timid account of the Rwandan genocide].[http://www.villagevoice.com/2004-12-14/film/cheadle-survives-a-timid-account-of-the-rwandan-genocide/1] ''[[The Village Voice]]''. Retrieved 6 June 2010.</ref>

Writing for ''The New York Times'', Stephen Holden wrote the film was "a political thriller based on fact that hammers every button on the emotional console."<ref name="holden" /> He commended how the film "offers a devastating picture of media-driven mass murder left unchecked" while also praising "Mr. Cheadle's magnificent, understated portrayal".<ref name="holden">Holden, Stephen (22 December 2004). [https://movies.nytimes.com/2004/12/22/movies/22hote.html Holding a Moral Center as Civilization Fell]. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved 6 June 2010.</ref> James Berardinelli, writing for ''ReelViews'', called the film "powerful" and noted that it didn't "pull as many punches as its detractors would have us believe."<ref name="reelview" /> Berardinelli also wrote the film was "brutal and shocking when it needs to be, but it also has great emotional scope and power. We find ourselves enmeshed in Paul's struggle, sharing his despair at the warfare tearing apart his country, his frustration and anger at the U.N.'s inability to act, and, eventually, his hope for a better tomorrow."<ref name="reelview">Berardinelli, James (December 2004). [https://preview.reelviews.net/movies/h/hotel_rwanda.html Hotel Rwanda]. ''[[ReelViews]]''. Retrieved 6 June 2020.</ref> Describing some pitfalls, Jeff Vice of the ''[[Deseret News]]'' stated the "decision by the filmmakers to show things from that limited viewpoint—to show how isolated and fearful the characters were of the chaos going on around them—the film feels a little dishonest and diminished. It's never quite as effective as ''[[The Killing Fields (film)|The Killing Fields]]'' or ''Schindler's List'' in that the film's overall impact is not as great and it doesn't linger in the memory."<ref name="vice" /> Vice was quick to admit "''Hotel Rwanda'' does have its share of powerful moments; in particular, a scene in which Paul and another hotel employee unknowingly—due to fog—drive into a mass grave." He also expressed satisfaction with the acting, stating "Cheadle brings a needed intensity to the film; his character's fear and compassion are quite vivid. Nolte is also good in his limited screen time, as is Joaquin Phoenix, who plays a news cameraman."<ref name="vice">Vice, Jeff (10 February 2005). [https://web.archive.org/web/20121020185606/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700003743/Hotel-Rwanda.html Hotel Rwanda]. ''[[Deseret News]]''. Retrieved 6 June 2010.</ref>

{{quote box|quote=[A] flat, cramped staging which, combined with d.p. Robert Fraisse's harsh overlighting, gives the film the feel of a cheap backlot production, even though it was shot on location.|source=—Scott Foundas, writing for ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]''<ref>{{cite web | last=Foundas |first=Scott  |author-link=Scott Foundas |date=15 September 2004 |title=Hotel Rwanda |url=https://variety.com/2004/film/awards/hotel-rwanda-3-1200531037/ |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date=1 January 2024 }}</ref>|salign=right|align=right|width=30em}}

Eleanor R. Gillespie of ''The Atlanta Journal-Constitution'' stated that ''Hotel Rwanda'' was an "unforgettable film" as well as "a doubly unforgettable performance by Don Cheadle."<ref name="gillespie" /> Although mentioning "The parallels with Steven Spielberg's ''Schindler's List'' are obvious", she praised individual cinematic elements that made the film unique, such as "the revelation of a dark, bumpy road paved with thousands of corpses. Or in a little girl's heartwrenching plea, 'Please don't let them kill me. I promise I won't be Tutsi anymore'."<ref name="gillespie" /> She concluded her review with Cheadle's noteworthy performance, stating he gave "one of the best performances (if not the best) of last year—an Oscar-worthy portrait of a man who kept his head clear and his humanity intact in the midst of a man-made hell."<ref name="gillespie">Gillespie R. Eleanor, (December 2004). [http://www.accessatlanta.com/movies/content/shared/movies/reviews/H/hotelrwanda.html Hotel Rwanda] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224074317/http://www.accessatlanta.com/movies/content/shared/movies/reviews/H/hotelrwanda.html |date=24 February 2012 }}. ''[[The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]]''. Retrieved 6 June 2010.</ref> Similarly, David Ansen wrote in ''Newsweek'' that "two performances carry the film. Cheadle, in his richest role since ''[[Devil in a Blue Dress (film)|Devil in a Blue Dress]]'', burrows deep inside this complex man, who discovers in himself a strength he never knew he possessed, as he faces the disillusionment of all the "civilized" notions he believes in. As his strong, committed wife, Tatiana, Sophie Okonedo, barely resembling the saucy hooker she played in ''[[Dirty Pretty Things (film)|Dirty Pretty Things]]'', is a revelation."<ref>Ansen, David (20 December 2004). [https://www.newsweek.com/2004/12/19/hotel-rwanda-a-hero-will-rise.html Hotel Rwanda: A Hero Will Rise]. ''[[Newsweek]]''. Retrieved 6 June 2010.</ref> However, in the ''Arizona Daily Star'', Phil Villarreal was not moved by the lead acting of Cheadle or Nolte. He thought the characters were "cardboardish" and stated the "uplifting moments of rescue seem antiseptic and set up."<ref>Villarreal, Phil (19 January 2005). Hotel Rwanda. ''[[Arizona Daily Star]]''. Retrieved 6 June 2010.</ref> Critic [[Leonard Maltin]] wrote that ''Hotel Rwanda'' was a "powerful film" that he thought avoided being "overly didactic by focusing on one compelling character, believably brought to life by Cheadle."<ref>Maltin, Leonard (5 August 2008). ''Leonard Maltin's 2009 Movie Guide''. Signet. p. 632. {{ISBN|978-0-452-28978-9}}.</ref> In ''[[Reel Power: Hollywood Cinema and American Supremacy]]'', drawing on the work of journalist Keith Harmon Snow and writer [[Edward S. Herman]], author [[Matthew Alford]] called the film "sensitive, humane and powerful" but noted that it was "striking how the history of bloodshed has been spun in line with Western interests".<ref>Alford, Reel Power, p. 158</ref>

===Top 10 lists===
''Hotel Rwanda'' was listed on many critics' top ten lists for 2004.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/film/awards/2004/toptens.shtml |title=Metacritic: 2004 Film Critic Top Ten Lists |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=December 25, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071225093317/http://www.metacritic.com/film/awards/2004/toptens.shtml |archive-date=December 25, 2007 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
{{Div col|colwidth=50em}}
* 1st&nbsp;– Richard Roeper, ''Ebert & Roeper''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.innermind.com/misc/e_r_top.htm|title=Ebert and Roeper Top Ten Lists – Inner Mind}}</ref>
* 3rd&nbsp;– Claudia Puig, ''USA Today''
* 3rd&nbsp;– Stephanie Zacharek, ''Salon.com''
* 6th&nbsp;– Ruthie Stein, ''San Francisco Chronicle''
* 8th&nbsp;– Lawrence Toppman, ''Salon.com''
* 8th&nbsp;– Mick LaSalle & Carla Meyer, ''San Francisco Chronicle''
* 9th&nbsp;– Roger Ebert, ''Chicago Sun-Times''
* 10th&nbsp;– Desson Thomson, ''Washington Post''
* 10th&nbsp;– Lawrence Toppman, ''Charlotte Observer''
* Top 10 (listed alphabetically)&nbsp;– Carrie Rickey, ''Philadelphia Inquirer''
* Top 10 (listed alphabetically)&nbsp;– Carina Chocano, ''Los Angeles Times''
{{div col end}}

===Accolades===
The film was nominated and won several awards in 2004–2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://movies.msn.com/movies/movie-awards-and-nominations/hotel-rwanda/?ipp=45|title=Hotel Rwanda: Awards & Nominations|publisher=[[MSN Movies]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140406083001/http://movies.msn.com/movies/movie-awards-and-nominations/hotel-rwanda/?ipp=45|archive-date=April 6, 2014|access-date=4 June 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1808592826/awards|title=Hotel Rwanda (2004)|publisher=[[Yahoo! Movies]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622002335/http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1808592826/awards|archive-date=June 22, 2011|access-date=4 June 2010}}</ref> Various critics included the film on their lists of the top 10 best films of 2004. Roger Ebert of the ''Chicago Sun-Times'' named it ninth best, Mick LaSalle of the ''San Francisco Chronicle'' named it eighth best, and Desson Thomson of ''The Washington Post'' named it tenth best.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://apps.metacritic.com/film/awards/2004/toptens.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720094537/http://apps.metacritic.com/film/awards/2004/toptens.shtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 July 2011|title=Metacritic: 2004 Film Critic Top Ten Lists|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=4 June 2010}}</ref> The film is also listed by the [[American Film Institute]] as one of the [[AFI's 100 Years...100 Cheers|100 most inspirational movies of all time]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rogerebert.com/rogers-journal/afis-100-most-inspirational-movies|title=AFI's 100 years 100 cheers: America's Most Inspiring Movies|publisher=American Film Institute|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716072359/http://connect.afi.com/site/DocServer/cheers100.pdf|archive-date=16 July 2011|access-date=27 September 2010|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" 
|- 
! Award
! Category
! Nominee
! Result
|-
|rowspan=3|[[77th Academy Awards]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/oscarlegacy/2000-present/77nominees.html |title=Nominees & Winners for the 77th Academy Awards |access-date=4 June 2010 |publisher=Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100309201631/https://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/oscarlegacy/2000-present/77nominees.html|archive-date=March 9, 2010}}</ref>
|align="center" |Best Actor
|align="center" |Don Cheadle
|{{nom}}
|-
|align="center" |Best Supporting Actress
|align="center" |Sophie Okonedo
|{{nom}}
|-
|align="center" |[[Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay|Best Original Screenplay]]
|align="center" |Keir Pearson, Terry George
|{{nom}}
|-
|[[American Film Institute Awards 2004]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.afi.com/afifest/2004/ |title=AFI Fest 2004 November 4–14 |access-date=17 February 2013 |publisher=AFI.com}}</ref>
|align="center" |Top Audience Award
|align="center" |————
|{{won}}
|-
|[[Discover Screenwriting Award 2004]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://americanscreenwriters.com/ |title=4th Discover Screenwriting Award |access-date=17 February 2013 |publisher=American Screenwriters Association}}</ref>
|align="center" |Discover Screenwriting Award
|align="center" |Keir Pearson, Terry George
|{{nom}}
|-
|2005 [[Berlin International Film Festival]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.berlinale.de/en/archiv/jahresarchive/2005/02_programm_2005/02_Filmdatenblatt_2005_20050461.php |title=Hotel Rwanda |access-date=4 June 2010 |publisher=Berlin International Film Festival}}</ref>
|align="center" |Out of Competition
|align="center" |————
|{{won}}
|-
|2005 [[BET Award for Best Actor & Actress|Bet Awards]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bet.com/shows/bet-awards/2012/my-bet-awards/bet-awards-2005.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102032742/http://www.bet.com/shows/bet-awards/2012/my-bet-awards/bet-awards-2005.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 November 2012 |title=BET Awards 2005 |access-date=17 February 2013 |publisher=BET.com}}</ref>
|align="center" |Best Actor
|align="center" |Don Cheadle
|{{nom}}
|-
|rowspan=2|[[Black Reel Awards of 2005]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blackreelawards.wordpress.com/winners/ |title=Hotel Rwanda |date=12 February 2009 |access-date=4 June 2010 |publisher=Black Reel Awards}}</ref>
|align="center" |Best Actor in a Drama
|align="center" |Don Cheadle
|{{nom}}
|-
|align="center" |Best Actress in a Drama
|align="center" |Sophie Okonedo
|{{won}}
|-
||[[59th British Academy Film Awards]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bafta.org/awards-database.html?year=2005&category=Film&award=Original+Screenplay |title=British Academy of Film and Television Arts |access-date=4 June 2010 |publisher=BAFTA.org}}</ref>
|align="center" |Best Original Screenplay
|align="center" |Keir Pearson, Terry George
|{{nom}}
|-
|rowspan=2|[[10th Critics' Choice Awards|Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards 2004]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bfca.org/ccawards/2004.php |title=The 10th Critics' Choice Awards Winners And Nominees |access-date=4 June 2010 |publisher=BFCA.org |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120719072204/http://www.bfca.org/ccawards/2004.php |archive-date=19 July 2012 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
|align="center" |Best Picture 
|align="center" |————
|{{nom}}
|-
|align="center" |Best Actor
|align="center" |Don Cheadle
|{{nom}}
|-
|rowspan=2|[[Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Association Awards 2005]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dfwfilmcritics.net/awards |title=Awards |access-date=17 February 2013 |publisher=dfwfilmcritics.net |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127151457/http://dfwfilmcritics.net/awards |archive-date=27 January 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
|align="center" |Best Actor
|align="center" |Don Cheadle
|{{nom}}
|-
|align="center" |Best Picture
|align="center" |————
|{{nom}}
|-
|2005 [[David di Donatello for Best Foreign Film|David Di Donatello Awards]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.daviddidonatello.it/candidati.php |title=Nominees – Candidates |access-date=17 February 2013 |publisher=daviddidonatello.it |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725063531/http://www.daviddidonatello.it/candidati.php |archive-date=25 July 2011 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
|align="center" |Best Foreign Film
|align="center" |————
|{{nom}}
|-
|2005 18th [[European Film Awards]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.europeanfilmawards.eu/en_EN/archive |title=European Film Awards 2005 |access-date=17 February 2013 |publisher=europeanfilmawards.eu}}</ref>
|align="center" |Best Composer
|align="center" |Rupert Gregson-Williams, Andrea Guerra
|{{won}}
|-
|rowspan=3|[[62nd Golden Globe Awards]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goldenglobes.org/browse/film/25931 |title=Hotel Rwanda |access-date=4 June 2010 |publisher=GoldenGlobes.org |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120804054554/http://www.goldenglobes.org/browse/film/25931 |archive-date=4 August 2012 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
|align="center" |Best Picture – Drama
|align="center" |————
|{{nom}}
|-
|align="center" |Best Actor – Drama
|align="center" |Don Cheadle
|{{nom}}
|-
|align="center" |[[Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song|Best Original Song]]
|align="center" |Jerry Duplessis, Andrea Guerra, Wyclef Jean
|{{nom}}
|-
|rowspan=4|[[Golden Satellite Awards 2004]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pressacademy.com/award_cat/2005-january/ |title=2005 (January) |access-date=17 February 2013 |publisher=International Press Academy}}</ref>
|align="center" |[[Satellite Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama|Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama]]
|align="center" |Don Cheadle
|{{won}}
|-
|align="center" |Best Motion Picture Drama
|align="center" |————
|{{won}}
|-
|align="center" |Best Original Song
|align="center" |Jerry Duplessis, Andrea Guerra, Wyclef Jean
|{{won}}
|-
|align="center" |Best Original Screenplay
|align="center" |Keir Pearson, Terry George
|{{nom}}
|-
|[[2006 Grammy Awards]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.grammy.com/nominees/search?artist=&title=&year=2005&genre=All |title=2005 48th Annual Grammy Awards |access-date=17 February 2013 |publisher=National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences}}</ref>
|align="center" |Best Song Written For Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media
|align="center" |Jerry Duplessis, Andrea Guerra, Wyclef Jean
|{{nom}}
|-
|2005 [[Humanitas Prize]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.humanitasprize.org/Prize_PastWinners.html |title=Past Winners |access-date=17 February 2013 |publisher=humanitasprize.org |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100406055244/http://www.humanitasprize.org/Prize_PastWinners.html |archive-date=6 April 2010 }}</ref>
|align="center" |Humanitas Prize
|align="center" |Keir Pearson, Terry George
|{{won}}
|-
|rowspan=2|2005 [[3rd Irish Film & Television Awards]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ifta.ie/winners/iftawinners2005.html |title=Winners 2005 |access-date=17 February 2013 |publisher=The Irish Film & Television Academy}}</ref>
|align="center" |Best Director
|align="center" |Terry George
|{{won}}
|-
|align="center" |Best Script for Film
|align="center" |Keir Pearson, Terry George
|{{won}}
|-
|31st [[Japan Academy Prize (film)|Japan Academy Prize Ceremony]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.japan-academy-prize.jp/prizes/?t=31 |title=Japan Academy Prize – Nominees and Winners |access-date=17 February 2013 |publisher=japan-academy-prize.jp}}</ref>
|align="center" |Best Foreign Language Film
|align="center" |————
|{{nom}}
|-
|rowspan=3|[[London Film Critics Circle Awards 2005]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://criticscircle.org.uk/film/ |title=Hotel Rwanda |access-date=4 June 2010 |publisher=The Critics' Circle}}</ref>
|align="center" |Best British Director
|align="center" |Terry George
|{{nom}}
|-
|align="center" |Best Actor 
|align="center" |Don Cheadle
|{{nom}}
|-
|align="center" |Best British Supporting Actress
|align="center" |Sophie Okonedo
|{{nom}}
|-
|2005 [[Movieguide Awards]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://movieguideawards.com/awards.html |title=Awards |access-date=17 February 2013 |publisher=MovieguideAwards.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130227221724/http://www.movieguideawards.com/awards.html |archive-date=27 February 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
|align="center" |Most Inspiring Movie Acting
|align="center" |Don Cheadle
|{{nom}}
|-
|rowspan=3|2005 [[36th NAACP Image Awards]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emmys.com/shows/36th-naacp-image-awards |title=36th NAACP Image Awards |access-date=17 February 2013 |publisher=Emmys.com}}</ref>
|align="center" |Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
|align="center" |Don Cheadle
|{{nom}}
|-
|align="center" |Outstanding Motion Picture
|align="center" |————
|{{nom}}
|-
|align="center" |Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture
|align="center" |Sophie Okonedo
|{{nom}}
|-
|2006 [[Nastro d'Argento]] Silver Ribbon Award
|align="center" |Best Score
|align="center" |Andrea Guerra
|{{nom}}
|-
|2004 [[National Board of Review of Motion Pictures]] Awards<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nbrmp.org/awards/past.cfm?year=2004 |title=Awards for 2004 |access-date=4 June 2010 |publisher=National Board of Review |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100813145503/http://www.nbrmp.org/awards/past.cfm?year=2004 |archive-date=13 August 2010 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
|align="center" |Top Ten Films
|align="center" |————
|{{won}}
|-
|[[Online Film Critics Society Awards 2004]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.altfg.com/blog/awards/online-film-critics-awards-2004/ |title=2005 Online Film Critics Society Awards |date=9 January 2005 |access-date=17 September 2010 |publisher=Alt Film Guide}}</ref>
|align="center" |Best Actor
|align="center" |Don Cheadle
|{{nom}}
|-
|rowspan=3|2004 [[Political Film Society Awards]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.polfilms.com/previous.html |title=Previous Political Film Society Award Winners |access-date=17 February 2013 |publisher=Political Film Society}}</ref>
|align="center" |Exposé
|align="center" |————
|{{nom}}
|-
|align="center" |Human Rights 
|align="center" |————
|{{nom}}
|-
|align="center" |Peace
|align="center" |————
|{{nom}}
|-
|[[Producers Guild of America Awards 2004]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.producersguild.org/news/news.asp?id=34896&hhSearchTerms=hotel+and+rwanda |title=Precious to Be Honored with 2010 Stanley Kramer Award |access-date=4 June 2010 |publisher=National Board of Review |archive-date=18 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518060729/https://www.producersguild.org/news/news.asp?id=34896&hhSearchTerms=hotel+and+rwanda |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|align="center" |[[Stanley Kramer Award]]
|align="center" |————
|{{won}}
|-
|2006 [[Robert Award]]s<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scope.dk/pris/2-robert?vispris=&visaar=2006 |title=Robert Awards History |access-date=17 February 2013 |publisher=Scope.dk |archive-date=2 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602172203/http://www.scope.dk/pris/2-robert?vispris=&visaar=2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|align="center" |Best Non-American Film
|align="center" |Terry George
|{{nom}}
|-
|[[San Diego Film Critics Society Awards 2004]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sdfcs.org/ |title=Pages |access-date=17 February 2013 |publisher=San Diego Film Critics Society |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207094324/http://www.sdfcs.org/ |archive-date=7 December 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|align="center" |Body of Work
|align="center" |Don Cheadle
|{{won}}
|-
|rowspan=3|[[11th Screen Actors Guild Awards]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sagawards.org/awards/nominees-and-recipients/11th-annual-screen-actors-guild-awards |title=11th Annual SAG Awards Nominees |access-date=4 June 2010 |publisher=Screen Actors Guild Awards}}</ref>
|align="center" |Best Ensemble Acting
|align="center" |————
|{{nom}}
|-
|align="center" |Best Actor
|align="center" |Don Cheadle
|{{nom}}
|-
|align="center" |Best Supporting Actress
|align="center" |Sophie Okonedo
|{{nom}}
|-
|Southeastern Film Critics Association Awards 2004<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sefca.org/a2004.html |title=Top Ten Films of 2004 |access-date=17 February 2013 |publisher=Southeastern Film Critics Association |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130730163043/http://sefca.org/a2004.html |archive-date=30 July 2013 |url-status=usurped |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
|align="center" |Best Picture
|align="center" |————
|{{nom}}
|-
|[[2004 Toronto International Film Festival]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.torontointernationalfilmfestival.ca/thefestival/about/awards/awards2004 |title=Awards 2004 |access-date=24 June 2010 |publisher=Toronto International Film Festival |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706210211/http://www.torontointernationalfilmfestival.ca/thefestival/about/awards/awards2004 |archive-date=6 July 2011 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
|align="center" |People's Choice Award
|align="center" |Terry George
|{{won}}
|-
|[[Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Awards 2004]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wafca.com/awards/2004.htm |title=2004 WAFCA Awards |access-date=17 February 2013 |publisher=Washington DC Area Film Critics Association |archive-date=9 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709175042/http://www.wafca.com/awards/2004.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> 
|align="center" |Best Actor
|align="center" |Don Cheadle
|{{nom}}
|-
|[[World Soundtrack Awards 2005]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.worldsoundtrackawards.com/awards2.cgi?go=history&category=&year=2005&type= |title=History – 2005 |access-date=17 February 2013 |publisher=World Soundtrack Academy |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718114530/http://www.worldsoundtrackawards.com/awards2.cgi?go=history&category=&year=2005&type= |archive-date=18 July 2011 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
|align="center" |Best Original Song Written for a Film
|align="center" |Jerry Duplessis, Andrea Guerra, Wyclef Jean 
|{{nom}}
|-
|[[Writers Guild of America Awards 2004]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wga.org/awards/awardssub.aspx?id=1517 |title=Awards Winners |access-date=4 June 2010 |publisher=Writers Guild Awards |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120525050852/http://www.wga.org/awards/awardssub.aspx?id=1517 |archive-date=25 May 2012 }}</ref>
|align="center" |Best Original Screenplay
|align="center" |Keir Pearson, Terry George 
|{{nom}}
|-
|}

==See also==
* [[Paul Rusesabagina]] – Main character, and source of information, for ''Hotel Rwanda''
* [[Roméo Dallaire]] – A UNAMIR Force Commander in ''Hotel Rwanda,'' and noted critic of the movie
* [[2004 in film]]
* [[Hutu Power]] – a racist and ethnic supremacist ideology propounded by Hutu extremists in Rwanda
* [[Radio Télévision Libre des Mille Collines]] – a Rwandan radio station which played a significant role during the Genocide against the Tutsi

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite book | last=Barnett | first=Michael | title=Eyewitness to a Genocide: The United Nations and Rwanda | year=2003 | publisher=Cornell University Press | isbn=978-0-8014-8867-2 }}
* {{cite book | last=Chishugi | first=Leah | title=A Long Way from Paradise: Surviving the Rwandan Genocide | year=2010 | publisher=Virago Press | isbn=978-1-84408-657-3 | url-access=registration | url=https://archive.org/details/longwayfromparad0000chis }}
* {{cite book | last=Cruden | first=Alex | title=Rwandan Genocide (Perspectives on Modern World History) | year=2010 | publisher=Greenhaven Press | isbn=978-0-7377-5007-2 }}
* {{cite book | last=Destexhe | first=Alain | title=Rwanda and Genocide in the Twentieth Century | year=1995 | publisher=New York University Press | isbn=978-0-8147-1873-5 | url=https://archive.org/details/rwandagenocidein00dest }}
* {{cite book | last=Gourevitch | first=Philip | title=We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will be Killed With Our Families: Stories from Rwanda | year=1999 | publisher=Picador | isbn=978-0-312-24335-7 | url-access=registration | url=https://archive.org/details/wewishtoinformyo00gour }}
* {{cite book | last=Ilibagiza | first=Immaculee | title=Led By Faith: Rising from the Ashes of the Rwandan Genocide | url=https://archive.org/details/ledbyfaithrising00ilib | url-access=registration | year=2009 | publisher=Hay House | isbn=978-1-4019-1888-0 }}
* {{cite book | last=Keane | first=Fergal | title=Season of Blood: A Rwandan Journey | url=https://archive.org/details/seasonofbloodrwa00kean | url-access=registration | year=1997 | publisher=Penguin | isbn=978-0-14-024760-2 }}
* {{cite book | last=Kroslak | first=Daniela | title=The Role of France in the Rwandan Genocide | year=2007 | publisher=Hurst & Company | isbn=978-1-85065-882-5 }}
* {{cite book | last=Laband | first=John | title=Daily Lives of Civilians in Wartime Africa: From Slavery Days to Rwandan Genocide | year=2006 | publisher=Greenwood | isbn=978-0-313-33540-2 }}
* {{cite book | last=Lawrence | first=Tracey | title=My Father, Maker of the Trees: How I Survived the Rwandan Genocide | year=2009 | publisher=Baker Books | isbn=978-0-8010-1320-1 }}
* {{cite book | last=Melvern | first=Linda | title=Conspiracy to Murder: The Rwandan Genocide | url=https://archive.org/details/conspiracytomurd00melv | url-access=registration | year=2006 | publisher=Verso | isbn=978-1-84467-542-5 }}
* {{cite book | last=O'Halloran | first=Kevin | title=Pure Massacre: Aussie Soldiers Reflect on the Rwandan Genocide | year=2010 | publisher=Big Sky Publishing | isbn=978-0-9803251-8-8 }}
* {{cite book | last=Prunier | first=Gerard | title=Africa's World War: Congo, the Rwandan Genocide, and the Making of a Continental Catastrophe | url=https://archive.org/details/africasworldwarc0000prun | url-access=registration | year=2008 | publisher=Oxford University Press | isbn=978-0-19-537420-9 }}
* {{cite book | last=Taylor | first=Christopher | title=Sacrifice as Terror: The Rwandan Genocide of 1994 | year=2001 | publisher=Berg Publishers | isbn=978-1-85973-278-6 }}
* {{cite book | last=Twagilimana | first=Aimable | title=The Debris of Ham: Ethnicity, Regionalism, and the 1994 Rwandan Genocide | year=2003 | publisher=University Press of America | isbn=978-0-7618-2585-2 }}
* {{cite book | last=Wallis | first=Andrew | title=Silent Accomplice: The Untold Story of France's Role in the Rwandan Genocide | year=2007 | publisher=I.B. Tauris | isbn=978-1-84511-247-9 }}
* {{cite book | last=Waugh | first=Colin | title=Paul Kagame and Rwanda: Power, Genocide and the Rwandan Patriotic Front | year=2004 | publisher=McFarland & Company | isbn=978-0-7864-1941-8 }}
* {{cite book | last=Willoquet-Maricondi | first=Paula | title=Framing the World: Explorations in Ecocriticism and Film (Under the Sign of Nature) | year=2010 | publisher=University of Virginia Press | isbn=978-0-8139-3005-3 }}
{{Refend}}

==External links==

{{Wikiquote|Hotel Rwanda}}
* {{Official website}}
* {{IMDb title|0395169|Hotel Rwanda}}
* {{TCMDb title|id=581095}}
* {{AFI film|63109}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes|hotel_rwanda|Hotel Rwanda}}
* {{Metacritic film|title=Hotel Rwanda}}
* {{Mojo title|hotelrwanda|Hotel Rwanda}}

{{Terry George}}
{{Producers Guild Stanley Kramer Award}}
{{Satellite Award Best Motion Picture}}
{{TIFF People's Choice Award}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:2004 films]]
[[Category:2004 drama films]]
[[Category:2000s American films]]
[[Category:2000s British films]]
[[Category:2000s Italian films]]
[[Category:2000s English-language films]]
[[Category:2000s French-language films]]
[[Category:Epic films based on actual events]]
[[Category:Films about the Rwandan genocide]]
[[Category:Films directed by Terry George]]
[[Category:Films scored by Rupert Gregson-Williams]]
[[Category:Films set in 1994]]
[[Category:Films set in hotels]]
[[Category:Films shot in Gauteng]]
[[Category:Films shot in Rwanda]]
[[Category:Lionsgate films]]
[[Category:Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer films]]
[[Category:Political films based on actual events]]
[[Category:Satellite Award–winning films]]
[[Category:Toronto International Film Festival People's Choice Award winners]]
[[Category:United Artists films]]
[[Category:Summit Entertainment films]]
[[Category:English-language Italian films]]
[[Category:American political drama films]]
[[Category:British political drama films]]