Battle of the Sexes trailer: Emma Stone and Steve Carell's new tennis drama is perfect for Oscar season

What happens when a tennis match victory comes to represent so much more than immediate glory?

When Billie Jean King accepted Bobby Riggs' challenge to a nationally televised match with a winner-takes-all prize of $100,000, she knew that win meant so much more than personal pride.

Riggs, a master self-promoter, had taken the stance that women made inferior tennis players and that he, even in his 50s, could beat out any of the top female players.

Billed 'The Battle of the Sexes', Riggs vs. King sparked a national debate and become a surprisingly important spark in the burgeoning feminist movement.

This sensational story now comes to film, with Emma Stone coming fresh off her Oscar win to star as King, with Steve Carell taking on the role of Riggs.

Directed by Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton, behind the indie hit Little Miss Sunshine, the film certainly has the makings of another offbeat favourite. Yet, its prime award season placement also make it an early Oscar contender, particularly in the acting categories.

Battle of the Sexes hits UK cinemas on 20 October.