Apple TV’s Oscar Journey: From Underdog to Hollywood Powerhouse

The 98th Academy Awards are just around the corner, and Apple TV is once again making waves with six nominations across three major productions: F1: The Movie, The Lost Bus, and Come See Me in the Good Light. But this isn’t just another awards season for the tech giant—it’s the culmination of a remarkable journey from streaming newcomer to Oscar contender.

Let’s dive into Apple TV’s complete Oscar history, a story of ambition, artistic vision, and the tech industry’s boldest foray into Hollywood.

93rd Academy Awards (2021) – The Debut

Wolfwalkers
Apple’s first Oscar nomination came with this enchanting Irish animated feature. The Tomm Moore-directed film, which explores themes of friendship and understanding between cultures, earned a nod for Best Animated Feature Film. While it didn’t win, its nomination signaled Apple’s serious commitment to quality storytelling.

Greyhound
Tom Hanks’ WWII naval drama followed suit with a nomination that showcased Apple’s ability to attract A-list talent and produce high-stakes historical dramas. Though it missed out on the win, Greyhound demonstrated Apple’s understanding of what audiences crave: compelling narratives with Hollywood’s biggest stars.

94th Academy Awards (2022) – Breakthrough Success

CODA
This is where everything changed. CODA (Children of Deaf Adults) became Apple TV’s first major Oscar triumph, sweeping three categories:

• Best Picture – Apple’s first Best Picture win, making history as the first streaming service to claim the top honor
• Best Supporting Actor – Troy Kotsur’s powerful performance as the first deaf male actor to win an Oscar
• Best Adapted Screenplay – Siân Heder’s heartfelt adaptation

The win wasn’t just a victory for Apple; it was a watershed moment for streaming services everywhere, proving that digital platforms could produce Oscar-caliber content that resonates with both critics and audiences.

The Tragedy of Macbeth
Following up CODA’s success, Apple released this stark, black-and-white adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic. With Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand leading the cast, the film earned four nominations:

• Best Actor (Washington)
• Best Cinematography (Bruno Delbonnel)
• Best Production Design (Stefan Dechant)
• Best Costume Design

Though it didn’t win, the film’s artistic ambition and visual poetry cemented Apple’s reputation as a platform willing to take creative risks.

95th Academy Awards (2023) – Continued Momentum

Causeway
Jennifer Lawrence’s understated drama about a soldier readjusting to civilian life earned Apple another nomination, though it didn’t secure a win. The film demonstrated Apple’s commitment to intimate, character-driven stories that might not find a home in traditional studio systems.

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
This animated short, based on Charlie Mackesy’s beloved book, won Best Animated Short Film. The victory showcased Apple’s ability to produce content across formats and genres, appealing to both adult and family audiences.

96th Academy Awards (2024) – Blockbuster Ambitions

Killers of the Flower Moon
Martin Scorsese’s epic Western crime drama marked Apple’s most ambitious project yet, earning an astounding ten nominations:

• Best Picture
• Best Director (Scorsese)
• Best Actress in a Leading Role (Lily Gladstone)
• Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Robert De Niro)
• Best Costume Design
• Best Production Design
• Best Original Score
• Best Original Song (“Wahzhazhe”)
• Best Film Editing (Thelma Schoonmaker)
• Best Cinematography (Rodrigo Prieto)

Despite the numerous nominations, the film went home empty-handed—a reminder that Oscar success isn’t guaranteed, even with the industry’s most celebrated filmmakers.

Napoleon
Ridley Scott’s historical epic earned three technical nominations:

• Best Costume Design
• Best Production Design
• Best Visual Effects

The nominations highlighted Apple’s willingness to invest in large-scale productions that push the boundaries of visual storytelling.

98th Academy Awards (2026) – The Current Contenders

F1: The Movie
Apple’s high-octane racing drama has emerged as a major contender with four nominations:

• Best Picture
• Best Sound
• Best Visual Effects
• Best Editing

The film represents Apple’s understanding of global audiences and its ability to produce content that appeals to both critics and mainstream viewers.

Come See Me in the Good Light
This documentary feature showcases Apple’s commitment to nonfiction storytelling, earning a nomination in the documentary category.

The Lost Bus
Rounding out Apple’s nominations, this visual effects-heavy production demonstrates the company’s investment in cutting-edge technology and spectacle.

The Bigger Picture

Apple TV’s Oscar journey reflects a broader shift in the entertainment industry. What began as a tech company’s side venture into content has evolved into a legitimate Hollywood powerhouse. The platform’s success challenges traditional notions about where quality content comes from and who can compete for Hollywood’s highest honors.

With a subscription price of $12.99 per month, Apple TV offers access to not just Oscar contenders but a diverse library including hits like Severance, The Morning Show, Shrinking, and Silo. This combination of prestige content and popular entertainment has positioned Apple TV as a serious competitor to established streaming services.

As we await the results of this year’s Academy Awards, one thing is clear: Apple TV isn’t just participating in Hollywood anymore—it’s helping to redefine it.

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