Apple scored points at the Oscars with its original film “CODA,” which won the award for Best Picture – making Apple TV+ the first streaming service to win this award.
At the 94th Academy Awards on Sunday, Apple TV+ was represented by two films that were nominated for a total of six awards: “CODA” and “The Tragedy of Macbeth” each won in three categories. “CODA” won the awards ceremony's top prize in the Best Picture category. The Apple TV+ film beat out nine other major films that were considered for the award, including “Drive My Car,” “Dune,” “Licorice Pizza,” “The Power of the Dog” and “West Side Story.” The film is a milestone in many ways: It is the first Best Picture nomination for Apple TV+.
Apple TV+: CODA wins three Oscars
It is also the first film with a predominantly deaf cast to win in this category and the first film from a streaming service to win the award. Troy Kotsur, who played father Frank Rossi in CODA, won in his Best Actor in a Supporting Role category after winning at the BAFTAs and other awards ceremonies. Kotsur also made history by becoming the first deaf male actor to ever receive an Oscar nomination, and that comes 35 years after his co-star Marlee Matlin won Best Actress for Children of a Lesser God in 1987. Jamie Erlicht, Apple's head of Worldwide Video, said:
It is a true joy to see the positive impact this story and its portrayals have on humanity worldwide. Congratulations to Sian, Troy, the cast, creative team, producers Patrick, Philippe and Fabrice, and everyone who helped bring inclusion and accessibility to the forefront through this remarkable film.
Apple acquired the rights to “CODA” for $25 million after the film premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival. The film, produced by Vendome Pictures and Pathé, has been streaming on Apple TV+ since August 2021 streamed. (Image: Apple)
