Just three years ago, members of the academy, including Steven Spielberg, led a movement to stop streaming services like Netflix, Amazon and Hulu competed in the Oscars without their projects having at least one theatrical release.
But the film industry has changed. Streaming services are now the most active sponsors of independent films and festival hitsthe kind of critically acclaimed movies the Academy likes to celebrate.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the change. With the forced closure of movie theaters, the public got used to seeing the premiere of films on the screen of their living room, instead of doing it at the local multiplex. Comfort trumped the lauded theatrical experience for many fans.
Three of the nominees for best film – “The power of the dog”, “CODA” and “Don’t look up” – were released by streaming companies. Warner Bros.’ “King Richard” and “Dune” premiered simultaneously (in the US) on HBO Max and in theatersas the company temporarily adapted its strategy to the ongoing public health crisis.
Warner Bros. was the winningest studio overall with seven total wins, including six for Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of “Dune” by Frank Herbert and one for “King Richard”. “Dune” dominated the technical categories. The sci-fi visual marvel, produced by Legendary Pictures, won for production design, sound, film editing, original score, cinematography and visual effects.
Will Smith He won his long-awaited lead actor award for his portrayal of patriarch Richard Williams in “King Richard.” He accepted the award shortly after slapping Chris Rock onstage during the broadcast after the comedian made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
Walt Disney won six awards for his films, including the remake of “West Side Story” by Steven Spielberg, who won as Supporting Actress (Ariana DeBose). The lead actress was Jessica Chastain for the lead role in “The Eyes of Tammy Faye,” from Disney Unit Searchlight Pictures, which also won for makeup and hair.” Disney’s musical phenomenon set in Colombia, “Encanto,” won for movie Other Disney winners included Questlove’s “Summer of Soul” for documentary and “Cruella” for costume design.
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