Netflix Leads Oscar Nominations With 18: Studio Scorecard

In a fierce battle for Oscar recognition, Netflix emerged as the leader with an impressive 18 nominations, outshining its streaming rival Apple, which secured 13 nods. The prestigious accolades included a best picture nomination for the Bradley Cooper-directed film “Maestro,” which played a pivotal role in Netflix’s remarkable haul.

While Apple made a commendable effort with nominations for films like “Killers of the Flower Moon” and “Napoleon,” it was Netflix’s Bradley Cooper-helmed biopic that stole the spotlight. The streaming giant’s success at the Oscars marks a triumphant culmination of an awards season characterized by lavish spending across all studios.

Last year’s WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes constrained marketing campaigns, leading to substantial unspent budgets. The subsequent surplus funds were redirected towards awards-season endeavors, including tastemaker screenings and panel discussions. High-budget films like “Barbie,” “Killers of the Flower Moon,” “Maestro,” and “Oppenheimer” emerged as major spenders, reaping significant recognition in this morning’s Oscar nominations announcement.

Particularly noteworthy was Universal’s “Oppenheimer,” which led the pack with 13 nominations and secured coveted spots in major categories like best picture and director for Christopher Nolan. The conclusion of the SAG-AFTRA strike in November unleashed a flurry of campaigning activities by stars, with Bradley Cooper’s visible promotion of “Maestro” standing out.

Netflix’s triumph in the Oscar nominations was a bittersweet moment for film head Scott Stuber, who recently announced his departure from the studio. The Oscar nominations are likely to be a central topic during Netflix’s earnings call later today.

Overall, the love from the Academy was distributed widely, with four studios securing double-digit Oscar nominations. In addition to Netflix and Apple, Searchlight and Universal both clinched 13 nominations, driven by films like “Poor Things” and “Oppenheimer.” A24, with seven nominations, achieved the unique feat of placing two films, “Past Lives” and “The Zone of Interest,” in the best picture race. Neon also made a strong showing with seven nominations, led by “Anatomy of a Fall,” nominated for best picture, and surprise nominations for director Justine Trier and actress Sandra Hüller.