Clint Eastwood’s new movie “Invictus” have emerged as Oscar Best Film favourite in the first serious Internet critics list of the awards season.

Morgan Freeman portrays anti-apartheid activist and former South African president Nelson Mandela in this  political drama adapted from author John Carlin’s book The Human Factor: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Changed the World. Set just after the fall of apartheid and during Mandela’s first term in office, the movie explores how the political prisoner-turned-president used the 1995 Rugby World Cup — which was hosted by South Africa — as a means of bringing blacks and whites together after decades of violence and mistrust. Matt Damon co-stars as rugby player Francois Pienaar.

“Invictus” Trailer

Invictus hits theatres on December 11