Apple TV+ is the first streaming service to be recognised with an Oscar for Best Picture for the company’s original film “CODA.”
Apple TV+ was well-represented at Sunday’s 94th Academy Prizes with two films nominated for a combined six awards, with “CODA” and “The Tragedy of Macbeth” both receiving nominations in three categories.
CODA
“CODA” won the Best Picture award at this year’s Oscars. The Power of the Dog,” “Drive My Car,” “Dune,” “Licorice Pizza,” and “West Side Story” were all in the running for the prize, but Apple TV+ came out on top.
In addition to being the first Best Picture nominee on Apple TV+, the film is a historic victory in many other ways. Deaf actors and movies via streaming services are the first to receive the prize, making it a groundbreaking achievement.
For his role as “Frank Rossi,” Troy Kotsur won the category of Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the CODA Awards. He had already received awards for his performance at the BAFTAs and other events. Marlee Matlin won best actress for “Children of a Lesser God” in 1987, and 35 years later, Kotsur became the first deaf male actor to be nominated for an Oscar.
Best Adapted Screenplay went to CODA’s Sian Heder, who fought off competition from the likes of “Dune,” “Drive My Car,” and “The Lost Daughter.”
Macbeth: A Tragic Tale
“Macbeth” won Best Actor, although Denzel Washington’s depiction of the title role by Will Smith in “The Tragedy of Macbeth” fell short. Nominated for a ninth Academy Award for his performance in “Training Day,” Washington already won Best Actor for the film as well as for “Glory.”
‘The Tragedy of Macbeth,’ ‘Dune,’ ‘Nightmare Alley,’ ‘The Power of the Dog,’ and ‘West Side Story,’ all had strong contenders for Bruno Delbonnel’s Best Cinematography award. “Dune” director Greig Fraser took up the prize.
Patrice Vermette and Zsuzsanna Sipos for “Dune” received the Best Production Design award for “The Tragedy of Macbeth.”