Netflix Films Dominate the 2021 Oscars

Following an unconventional Academy Awards ceremony, films originally distributed by Netflix secured a total of seven awards.

The streaming platform’s accolades encompassed two wins for “Mank,” specifically in the areas of production design and cinematography.

“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” also contributed significantly, earning two awards for its achievements in hair and makeup, as well as costume design.

Additional Oscar Wins for Streaming Services

Further recognition was given to Netflix with the documentary feature award for “My Octopus Teacher.”

The animated short film “If Anything Happens I Love You” and the live action short “Two Distant Strangers” also received Oscars for the streaming giant.

Amazon’s “Sound of Metal” was also successful, claiming awards for both sound and film editing.

Notably, Facebook’s Oculus, alongside EA and Respawn, achieved their inaugural Oscar win with “Colette,” recognized in the documentary short category.

Impact of the Pandemic on the Awards

These results arrived during a year profoundly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pandemic led to widespread theater closures and reduced operating capacities, prompting the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to postpone the ceremony and revise its eligibility criteria.

The lines between traditional theatrical releases and streaming films became blurred; for instance, “Nomadland,” the Best Picture winner, was simultaneously released in cinemas and on Hulu.

Netflix’s Strong Showing and a Disappointing Finale

Netflix garnered a remarkable 36 nominations overall, establishing itself as the most-nominated studio.

“Mank” led the nominations individually, further highlighting Netflix’s strong presence.

The seven wins represent a substantial improvement compared to the two awards the platform received the previous year.

While “Nomadland” was widely predicted to win Best Picture, Netflix executives experienced a degree of disappointment.

In an unusual departure from tradition, Best Picture was not the final award presented.

Instead, Best Actor was announced last, with the expectation that the award would honor the late Chadwick Boseman for his performance in “Ma Rainey.”

The win by Anthony Hopkins for “The Father” (who was not present at the ceremony) resulted in a somewhat anticlimactic conclusion to the evening.