The Triumph of 12 Oscar-Winning Netflix Original Movies

Every year, the prestigious Oscars, bestowed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, celebrate the pinnacle of cinematic excellence. While Netflix has been a dominant force in the film industry, its journey to securing the coveted Best Picture award has been a quest marked by anticipation and acclaim. Despite leading the nominations for three consecutive years, Netflix has yet to clinch the top prize, although Apple TV+ recently made history by winning Best Picture for CODA at the latest ceremony. Nevertheless, Netflix’s impact on the Oscars cannot be overlooked, with its films garnering an impressive 22 wins across 13 categories from 132 nominations, excluding the 18 nominations for its original movies in 2024. Let’s delve into the realm of Oscar-winning Netflix movies, exploring their significance, accolades, and enduring legacy.

Embracing the Legacy: Oscar-Winning Netflix Movies

Maestro

Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Original Screenplay, Best Sound, Best Cinematography, Best Makeup and Hairstyling

Setting the Stage: Maestro emerges as a cinematic tour de force, captivating audiences with its multifaceted narrative and stellar performances. From its gripping storyline to its mesmerizing visuals and poignant themes, the film exemplifies the pinnacle of filmmaking excellence. As nominations abound for the upcoming Academy Awards, Maestro stands poised to add to Netflix’s illustrious legacy.

Nyad

Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress

Empowering Performances: Nyad shines a spotlight on the transformative power of storytelling, with its compelling portrayal of resilience and empowerment. Anchored by stellar performances, the film resonates with audiences, offering a poignant exploration of human triumph amidst adversity. With nominations in key acting categories, Nyad celebrates the essence of cinematic artistry.

Society of the Snow

Best International Feature Film, Best Makeup and Hairstyling

Global Recognition: Society of the Snow emerges as a testament to the universality of storytelling, transcending cultural boundaries to touch hearts worldwide. Its nomination in the Best International Feature Film category underscores the film’s ability to resonate with diverse audiences, celebrating the beauty of cinematic expression.

Rustin

Best Actor

Inspirational Journey: Rustin chronicles the remarkable journey of a singular individual, capturing the essence of courage, conviction, and change. With a standout performance in the lead role, the film serves as a beacon of inspiration, reminding audiences of the transformative power of storytelling and the indomitable spirit of the human soul.

May December

Best Original Screenplay

Crafting Narrative Brilliance: May December captivates audiences with its inventive storytelling and rich thematic depth. As a nominee in the Best Original Screenplay category, the film showcases the artistry of its creators, weaving a tapestry of emotions and ideas that linger long after the credits roll.

Nimona

Best Animated Feature

Animated Excellence: Nimona enchants audiences with its vibrant animation and heartfelt storytelling. As a contender for Best Animated Feature, the film celebrates the magic of animation, transporting viewers to imaginative worlds filled with wonder and adventure.

El Conde

Best Cinematography

Visual Splendor: El Conde dazzles with its breathtaking cinematography, capturing the beauty and essence of its narrative with cinematic flair. Its nomination in the Best Cinematography category is a testament to the artistry and skill of its visual craftsmen, elevating the film to new heights of cinematic excellence.

American Symphony

Best Original Song

Musical Mastery: American Symphony enchants audiences with its stirring musical compositions, enriching the film’s narrative tapestry with emotional depth and resonance. With a nomination for Best Original Song, the film celebrates the power of music to evoke emotion and elevate storytelling.

The After

Best Live Action Short Film

Short Film Brilliance: The After captivates with its concise storytelling and evocative imagery, offering a glimpse into worlds both familiar and fantastical. As a nominee for Best Live Action Short Film, the film showcases the artistry and creativity of its creators, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.

The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar

Best Live Action Short Film

Heartfelt Narrative: The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar unfolds with charm and poignancy, inviting audiences into a world of wonder and imagination. As a nominee for Best Live Action Short Film, the film celebrates the beauty of storytelling and the power of the human spirit to transcend boundaries.

Exploring the Cinematic Masterpieces: Oscar-Winning Netflix Movies

12. ‘Mudbound’ (2017)

Dee Rees’ Mudbound presents a gripping tale of racial tension and resilience set against the backdrop of the Mississippi Delta. Despite its four nominations at the 90th Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actress for Mary J. Blige, the film fell short of securing a win. Nevertheless, Mudbound made history with its nominations, marking significant milestones for its cast and crew.

11. ‘Don’t Look Up’ (2021)

Adam McKay’s Don’t Look Up offers a biting satire on humanity’s response to impending doom, featuring an ensemble cast led by Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo DiCaprio. Despite receiving four nominations, including a coveted nod for Best Picture, the film failed to secure a win. Nevertheless, Don’t Look Up sparked critical discourse and highlighted the power of satire in addressing pressing social issues.

10. ‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’ (2020)

Aaron Sorkin’s The Trial of the Chicago 7 chronicles a pivotal moment in American history, shedding light on the trial of activists charged with inciting riots during the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Despite earning six nominations at the 93rd Academy Awards, including Best Picture, the film walked away empty-handed. Nevertheless, The Trial of the Chicago 7 received widespread acclaim for its compelling narrative and stellar ensemble cast.

9. ‘The Irishman’ (2019)

Martin Scorsese’s epic crime drama The Irishman offers a sprawling narrative spanning decades, anchored by powerhouse performances from Robert De Niro and Al Pacino. Despite securing ten nominations at the 92nd Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, the film failed to secure a win. Nevertheless, The Irishman remains a testament to Scorsese’s directorial prowess and the enduring appeal of the gangster genre.

8. ‘My Octopus Teacher’ (2020)

The documentary feature My Octopus Teacher offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the unlikely bond between filmmaker Craig Foster and a wild octopus in a South African kelp forest. Despite receiving only one nomination, the film secured a win for Best Documentary Feature, captivating audiences with its poignant storytelling and breathtaking cinematography.

7. ‘Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio’ (2022)

Guillermo del Toro’s dark and atmospheric reimagining of the classic tale of Pinocchio offers a visually stunning and thematically rich cinematic experience. Despite facing stiff competition in the Best Animated Feature category, the film emerged victorious, earning accolades for its innovative storytelling and masterful animation.

6. ‘Marriage Story’ (2019)

Noah Baumbach’s Marriage Story offers a raw and intimate portrayal of a couple navigating the complexities of divorce, anchored by powerful performances from Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson. Despite receiving six nominations at the 92nd Academy Awards, including Best Picture, the film secured only one win for Best Supporting Actress. Nevertheless, Marriage Story resonated with audiences and critics alike, earning acclaim for its emotional honesty and nuanced storytelling.

5. ‘The Power of the Dog’ (2021)

Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog weaves a haunting tale of familial conflict and repressed desire in the rugged landscape of Montana. Despite leading the pack with twelve nominations at the 94th Academy Awards, the film secured only one win for Best Director. Nevertheless, The Power of the Dog received widespread acclaim for its atmospheric cinematography and powerhouse performances.

4. ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ (2020)

George C. Wolfe’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom offers a searing depiction of the legendary blues singer’s tumultuous recording session in 1920s Chicago. Despite securing five nominations at the 93rd Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Chadwick Boseman, the film walked away with two wins for Best Makeup and Hairstyling and Best Costume Design. Nevertheless, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom remains a poignant tribute to Boseman’s talent and legacy.

3. ‘Mank’ (2020)

David Fincher’s Mank offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the Golden Age of Hollywood through the eyes of screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz. Despite securing ten nominations at the 93rd Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, the film secured only two wins for Best Cinematography and Best Production Design. Nevertheless, Mank received acclaim for its stylish visuals and captivating performances.

2. ‘Roma’ (2018)

Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma offers a sweeping portrait of life in 1970s Mexico City, told through the eyes of a domestic worker for a middle-class family. Despite securing ten nominations at the 91st Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, the film secured three wins for Best Foreign Language Film, Best Director, and Best Cinematography. Nevertheless, Roma remains a cinematic masterpiece, celebrated for its breathtaking visuals and emotional resonance.

1. ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ (2022)

Edward Berger’s All Quiet on the Western Front offers a harrowing portrayal of the horrors of World War I, following the journey of a young soldier thrust into the brutal realities of combat. Despite facing formidable competition, the film secured four wins at the latest Academy Awards, including Best International Feature Film, Best Original Score, Best Production Design, and Best Cinematography. As a modern-day remake of the original Best Picture-winning war film, All Quiet on the Western Front stands as a testament to the enduring power of cinematic storytelling.

The full list of this year’s Oscar winners and nominees is below.

Who won the most Oscars for 2024?

“Oppenheimer” won the most Oscars at the 96th Academy Awards with seven, including some of the most coveted awards — best picture and best director. Robert Downey Jr. and Cillian Murphy won best supporting actor and best actor for their roles in the film, while the movie also took home awards for cinematography, editing and score.

Best picture

• “Oppenheimer” — Winner
• “American Fiction”
• “Anatomy of a Fall”
• “Barbie”
• “The Holdovers”
• “Killers of the Flower Moon”
• “Maestro”
• “Past Lives”
• “Poor Things”
• “The Zone of Interest”

Best supporting actress

• Da’Vine Joy Randolph, “The Holdovers” — Winner
• Emily Blunt, “Oppenheimer”
• Danielle Brooks, “The Color Purple”
• America Ferrera, “Barbie”
• Jodie Foster, “Nyad”

Best animated short film

• “War Is Over! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko” — Winner
• “Letter to a Pig”
• “Ninety-Five Senses”
• “Our Uniform”
• “Pachyderm”

Best animated feature film

• “The Boy and the Heron” — Winner
• “Elemental”
• “Nimona”
• “Robot Dreams”
• “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”

Best original screenplay

• “Anatomy of a Fall” — Winner
• “The Holdovers”
• “Maestro”
• “May December”
• “Past Lives”

Best adapted screenplay

• “American Fiction” — Winner
• “Barbie”
• “Oppenheimer”
• “Poor Things”
• “The Zone of Interest”

Best makeup and hairstyling

• “Poor Things” — Winner
• “Golda”
• “Maestro”
• “Oppenheimer”
• “Society of the Snow”

Best production design

• “Poor Things” — Winner
• “Barbie”
• “Killers of the Flower Moon”
• “Napoleon”
• “Oppenheimer”

Best costume design

• “Poor Things” — Winner
• “Barbie”
• “Killers of the Flower Moon”
• “Napoleon”
• “Oppenheimer”

Best international feature film

• “The Zone of Interest,” United Kingdom — Winner
• “Io Capitano,” Italy
• “Perfect Days,” Japan
• “Society of the Snow,” Spain
• “The Teachers’ Lounge,” Germany

Best supporting actor

• Robert Downey Jr., “Oppenheimer” — Winner
• Sterling K. Brown, “American Fiction”
• Robert De Niro, “Killers of the Flower Moon”
• Ryan Gosling, “Barbie”
• Mark Ruffalo, “Poor Things”

Best visual effects

• “Godzilla Minus One” — Winner
• “The Creator”
• “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”
• “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One”
• “Napoleon”

Best film editing

• “Oppenheimer” — Winner
• “Anatomy of a Fall”
• “The Holdovers”
• “Killers of the Flower Moon”
• “Poor Things”

Best documentary short film

• “The Last Repair Shop” — Winner
• “The ABCs of Book Banning”
• “The Barber of Little Rock”
• “Island in Between”
• “Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó”

Best documentary feature film

• “20 Days in Mariupol” — Winner
• “Bobi Wine: The People’s President”
• “The Eternal Memory”
• “Four Daughters”
• “To Kill a Tiger”

Best cinematography

• “Oppenheimer” — Winner
• “El Conde”
• “Killers of the Flower Moon”
• “Maestro”
• “Poor Things”

Best live action short film

• “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar” — Winner
• “The After”
• “Invincible”
• “Knight of Fortune”
• “Red, White and Blue”

Best sound

• “The Zone of Interest” — Winner
• “The Creator”
• “Maestro”
• “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One”
• “Oppenheimer”

Best original score

• “Oppenheimer” — Winner
• “American Fiction”
• “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”
• “Killers of the Flower Moon”
• “Poor Things”

Best original song

• “What Was I Made For?” from “Barbie” — Winner
• “It Never Went Away” from “American Symphony”
• “I’m Just Ken” from “Barbie”
• “The Fire Inside” from “Flamin’ Hot”
• “Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)” from “Killers of the Flower Moon”

Best actor

• Cillian Murphy, “Oppenheimer” — Winner
• Bradley Cooper, “Maestro”
• Colman Domingo, “Rustin”
• Paul Giamatti, “The Holdovers”
• Jeffrey Wright, “American Fiction”

Best director

• Christopher Nolan, “Oppenheimer” — Winner
• Jonathan Glazer, “The Zone of Interest”
• Yorgos Lanthimos, “Poor Things”
• Martin Scorsese, “Killers of the Flower Moon”
• Justine Triet, “Anatomy of a Fall”

Best actress

• Emma Stone, “Poor Things” — Winner
• Annette Bening, “Nyad”
• Lily Gladstone, “Killers of the Flower Moon”
• Sandra Hüller, “Anatomy of a Fall”
• Carey Mulligan, “Maestro”

Full list of Oscars 2024 winners

• Best picture: “Oppenheimer”
• Best director: Christopher Nolan, “Oppenheimer”
• Best actress: Emma Stone, “Poor Things.”
• Best actor: Cillian Murphy, “Oppenheimer”
• Best supporting actress: Da’Vine Joy Randolph, “The Holdovers”
• Best supporting actor: Robert Downey Jr., “Oppenheimer”
• Best original screenplay: Justine Triet and Arthur Harari, “Anatomy of a Fall”
• Best adapted screenplay: Cord Jefferson, “American Fiction”
• Best animated feature: “The Boy and the Heron”
• Best animated short: “War is Over! Inspired by the Music of John Lennon and Yoko Ono”
• Best international feature: “The Zone of Interest” (United Kingdom)
• Best documentary feature: “20 Days in Mariupol”
• Best documentary short: “The Last Repair Shop”
• Best live action short: “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar”
• Best score: Ludwig Göransson, “Oppenheimer” 
• Best original song: Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell, “What Was I Made For?” from “Barbie”
• Best sound: Tarn Willers and Johnnie Burn, “The Zone of Interest”
• Best production design: James Price, Shona Heath and Zsuzsa Mihalek, “Poor Things”
• Best cinematography: Hoyte van Hoytema, “Oppenheimer”
• Best makeup and hairstyling: Nadia Stacey, Mark Coulier and Josh Weston, “Poor Things”
• Best costume design: Holly Waddington, “Poor Things”
• Best editing: Jennifer Lame, “Oppenheimer”
• Best visual effects: Takashi Yamazaki, Kiyoko Shibuya, Masaki Takahashi and Tatsuji Nojima, “Godzilla Minus One” 

Celebrating the Legacy of Oscar-Winning Netflix Movies

As we reflect on the triumphs and tribulations of Oscar-winning Netflix movies, we are reminded of the transformative power of storytelling and the enduring legacy of cinematic artistry. From intimate dramas to sweeping epics, these films have captivated audiences around the globe, leaving an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape. As Netflix continues to push the boundaries of storytelling and innovation, we eagerly anticipate the next chapter in its storied journey towards cinematic excellence.