Steven Spielberg to introduce special airing of Schindler’s List on USA Network Feb. 23

Updated Feb. 23, 2013, 10:43am CT

As part of its quarterly film series that continues its Characters Unite public service campaign geared toward promoting greater tolerance and acceptance, USA Network will be airing a special presentation of Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-winning 1993 film Schindler’s List, featuring a personal introduction by the director, who won his first directing Oscar for the film, Saturday, Feb. 23, at 8pm ET. Coinciding with the film’s 20th anniversary, the USA Network airing of Schindler’s List will be commercial-free.

“Without question, Schindler’s List is one of the most powerful films I’ve ever seen,” said Bonnie Hammer, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Chairman. “It’s the ultimate example of the profound difference an individual can make when he takes a stand against hate and intolerance.”

That stand comes in the form of the true story of Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson). Initially a member of the Nazi party, the Catholic Schindler risks his career and his life to employ and save over 1,100 Jews in his factory during the Holocaust. Schindler’s Jewish accountant Itzhak Stern (Ben Kingsley) serves as his conscience, as Schindler conducts business with cruel Nazi commander Amon Goeth (Ralph Fiennes, in his star-making performance). Based on the novel by Thomas Keneally, Schindler’s List is filmed entirely in black-and-white, but does not make its main character black-and-white. Schindler’s faults are not downplayed, which makes this story of the triumph of the human spirit in the face of true horror all the more inspiring.

Schindler’s List gained 12 Oscar nominations and won seven, including Best Picture and Best Director for Steven Spielberg, Best Cinematography to Janusz Kaminski for his stunning photography, Best Original Score to frequent Spielberg collaborator John Williams for his emotional musical score and Best Adapted Screenplay to Steven Zaillian. Liam Neeson received a Best Actor nomination as Schindler, and a Supporting Actor nomination was given to Ralph Fiennes as Goeth.

USA Network says additional information and resources for the airing of Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List will be available at charactersunite.com (it looks like a discussion via Facebook Connect might be available), and through Zeebox, in partnership with the USC Shoah Foundation.

The special, commercial-free airing of Schindler’s List, with introduction by Steven Spielberg, airs Feb. 23 at 8pm ET on USA Network. The presentation is rated TVMA-VLS and contains violence, strong language, and some nudity. USA advises parental discretion.