Netflix's 'Icarus' Takes Best Documentary Feature at the Oscars

techcrunch.com

by Anthony Ha

Major streaming platforms had a subdued showing at this year's Academy Awards, yet Netflix still managed to claim the Best Documentary Feature trophy for its doping exposé Icarus, helmed by director Bryan Fogel.

Amazon Studios' The Big Sick earned a nod for Best Original Screenplay, and Netflix's Mudbound received nominations across multiple categories — including Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography (notably making Rachel Morrison the first woman ever recognized in that field), Best Original Song, and Best Supporting Actress. Despite the recognition, neither title walked away with any hardware.

Still, the overall showing represents a solid outing for corporations that only began producing and releasing their own films relatively recently. Netflix especially faces an ongoing challenge, largely because of its refusal to give theatrical releases priority over streaming debuts.

That said, Amazon posted stronger results the previous year, thanks to Manchester by the Sea sweeping Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay, along with The Salesman taking Best Foreign Language Film.

Crowdfunding also earned its moment in the spotlight: Indiegogo received recognition after The Silent Child — a project financed through the platform — captured Best Live Action Short Film.

Several other TechCrunch-covered titles saw success as well. Blade Runner 2049 picked up trophies for Best Cinematography and Best Visual Effects, while The Shape of Water dominated with wins for Best Director, Best Production Design, Best Original Score, and ultimately the night's top prize, Best Picture.

Lead image courtesy of Netflix