The Oscars 2024 marked a significant milestone for streaming platforms like Netflix and Apple TV+. Despite amassing an impressive 32 combined nominations, these titans of the industry found themselves grappling with limited success at the prestigious ceremony.
Netflix, the streaming behemoth, entered the night with high hopes, boasting a staggering 19 nominations across 11 films. However, their lone triumph came in the form of Wes Anderson’s whimsical The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, a live-action short film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s work. This victory marked Anderson’s first Oscar win, though the director was notably absent from the ceremony.
On the other hand, Apple TV+ found itself in an unfortunate position, leaving the Oscars 2024 empty-handed despite garnering 13 nominations. Martin Scorsese’s epic Killers of the Flower Moon, which received 10 nods, failed to secure a single win, a disappointing outcome for a film that reportedly cost Apple a staggering $215 million.
Bradley Cooper’s Maestro, Netflix‘s heavy hitter with seven nominations, also fell short, unable to clinch the coveted Best Picture award, which went to the critically acclaimed Oppenheimer. This continued Netflix’s elusive pursuit of the top prize, having now amassed 23 Oscars since 2017 without a Best Picture win.
Killers of the Flower Moon wasn’t the only big-budget Apple TV+ production to face disappointment. Ridley Scott’s ambitious Napoleon, starring Joaquin Phoenix and costing an estimated $200 million, walked away with zero wins despite nominations for production design, costume design, and visual effects.
While Netflix and Apple TV+ may have stumbled at this year’s Oscars, their impact on the industry is undeniable. Netflix’s commitment to diverse and innovative storytelling has been recognized time and again, with previous wins for films like All Quiet on the Western Front, Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, and Roma.
Apple TV+, though a relative newcomer, has already etched its name in Oscar history, becoming the first streaming service to win Best Picture with the heartwarming CODA in 2022.