Apple Wins Best Picture At Oscars, The First Streaming Service To Do So
Though it’s only been three years since its debut, Apple TV+ has become the first streaming service to win an Oscar for Best Picture with CODA (Child of Deaf Adults).
Not only was it ranked as the best film of the year, CODA propelled Troy Kotsur to win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, making him the first deaf male actor to win an Academy Award. Director Sian Heder also took home the prize for Best Adapted Screenplay.
As reported by Variety, Heder told ABC in a backstage interview that winning the penultimate prize in the film industry was a “big moment” for the deaf and disability community.
The film, which features a mostly deaf cast, follows the life of high school student Ruby, who goes through life as the only hearing member of a deaf family living in Gloucester, Massachusetts.
According to Engadget, Apple shelled out US$25 million to broadcast the film, which was only shown in theaters for a limited time before streaming on Apple TV+, where it is still available for viewing.
“What an incredible joinery it has been since the moment we first saw CODA to today’s historic recognition from the Academy,” said Jamie Erlicht, Apple’s Head of Worldwide Video.
Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, shared his congratulations on Twitter, writing: “Team CODA created a profoundly beautiful movie, a story of hope and heart that celebrates our differences.”
