Ben-Hur is a 1959 American epic historical drama film directed by William Wyler and starring Charlton Heston as the title character. It is based on Lew Wallace's 1880 novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ. The film follows Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince from Jerusalem, who is enslaved by the Romans and becomes a chariot racer. After his family is betrayed, he seeks revenge against his childhood friend Messala, a Roman military tribune. The film was a commercial success, winning 11 Academy Awards and becoming the second-highest-grossing film of 1959. The main character, Judah Ben-Hur, is a Jewish prince from Jerusalem.