The nominations for the 97th Academy Awards are out, and the musical melodrama Emilia Pérez has positioned Netflix as a strong contender for the coveted Best Picture Oscar. Directed by the acclaimed Jacques Audiard, this film is based on his own opera libretto and has emerged as one of the leading contenders on the 2024 awards circuit. Following its triumph at the Golden Globes and accolades from various prestigious organizations, Emilia Pérez has proven to be a formidable force in the run-up to the Oscars, garnering a remarkable number of nominations.
Emilia Pérez Excels as Oscars Frontrunner
The Remarkable 13 Nominations of Emilia Pérez
With a total of 13 nominations, Emilia Pérez has solidified its position as a front-runner for the Best Picture award, marking a significant achievement for Netflix, which has received critical acclaim for its longstanding commitment to quality original films. If the musical wins, it would not only be Netflix’s first Best Picture win but also end a streak of near misses for the streaming giant throughout the years.
The film stands out not just for its cinematic brilliance but also for its timely themes, including the exploration of identity as it tells the story of a crime lord transitioning into a woman. This relevant subject matter fuels conversations among Academy voters, enhancing its chances of winning. Furthermore, the film’s accessibility on Netflix allows more viewers to engage with it, increasing its visibility in the awards discussion.
Emilia Pérez Leads in Nominations for Netflix Films
Historic Nominations for Emilia Pérez
While other Netflix films such as Maria, The Six Triple Eight, and Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl have also secured nominations, Emilia Pérez has set a groundbreaking record as the most nominated film in the history of Netflix, showcasing a significant leap for both the French-language musical and the streaming service itself. Notably, it is recognized as the most nominated non-English language film ever, surpassing the previous record held by Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Roma, which had ten nominations each but did not win Best Picture.
Netflix’s Persistent Quest for an Oscar Win
Precedents in Netflix’s Oscar Nomination History
For over ten years, Netflix has been vying for the Best Picture Oscar, beginning with Beasts of No Nation which, despite its early buzz, failed to secure any nominations upon its release in 2015. It wasn’t until Roma in 2019 that Netflix received its first Best Picture nomination. Since then, eight more titles have joined the ranks, all vying for the prestigious award.
|
Netflix Films Nominated for Best Picture |
Year of Release |
|
Rome |
2018 |
|
The Irishman |
2019 |
|
Marriage Story |
2019 |
|
Lack |
2020 |
|
The Trial of the Chicago 7 |
2020 |
|
Don’t Look Up |
2021 |
|
The Power of the Dog |
2021 |
|
All Quiet on the Western Front |
2022 |
|
Maestro |
2023 |
|
Emilia Perez |
2024 |
Despite these nominations, Netflix has yet to claim a Best Picture Oscar. Although several films achieved major accolades, like Roma and The Power of the Dog, winning prestigious categories such as Best Director, the lack of an overall win remains a significant trend. Nonetheless, the success of Emilia Pérez at this year’s Academy Awards signifies a potential shift in the Academy’s perception of Netflix as a serious contender, which is a promising development.
The Impact of an Emilia Pérez Win on Netflix
2025 and the Potential for Oscar Gold
As 2025 unfolds, Netflix is poised for a transformative year, and a Best Picture award for Emilia Pérez would pave the way for a promising start. This film exemplifies Netflix’s strategy to push boundaries and take risks, especially in its storytelling. Winning an Oscar would reinforce Netflix’s commitment to producing groundbreaking content, a development that bodes well for its trajectory in filmmaking.
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