Netflix secured a strong showing at the Academy Awards, with Guillermo del Toro’s visually striking Frankenstein taking three awards—Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, and Best Makeup and Hairstyling—and KPop Demon Hunters winning Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.
Streaming’s Rise in Hollywood 🏆
The wins underscore a growing trend: streaming services are no longer outsiders at the Oscars, but major contenders. Netflix has consistently placed films in the running, with previous wins for Roma, The Power of the Dog, and All Quiet on the Western Front.
However, the coveted Best Picture award remains elusive. While Apple’s CODA broke through in 2022, winning the top prize, Netflix has yet to claim that victory, despite multiple nominations. This suggests a lingering resistance from Academy voters toward streaming-exclusive films as “true” cinema.
A Night of Jabs and Recognition 🎤
Host Conan O’Brien’s joke about Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos being a first-time theatergoer highlights the industry’s playful skepticism toward the streaming giant. Despite the snark, the wins prove Netflix’s commitment to high-quality filmmaking and its increasing influence on Hollywood.
Frankenstein was nominated in nine categories, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor, while Train Dreams and Apple’s F1 (winning for Best Sound) also received Best Picture nods. Ultimately, One Battle After Another took the top prize, but Netflix’s night still marked a significant victory.
The Academy Awards are evolving to reflect the modern media landscape, and Netflix is at the forefront of that change. While the battle for Best Picture continues, the streaming service has firmly established itself as a major player in the awards season.
