From Streaming to Stardom: Every Netflix Original Film Nominated for an Academy Award

The landscape of cinema has been dramatically reshaped over the past decade, largely thanks to the rise and widespread adoption of streaming services. What was once exclusively the domain of movie theaters has now expanded, allowing audiences to experience groundbreaking films from the comfort of their homes. Among these transformative platforms, Netflix stands as a global leader, not only producing a vast library of content but also emerging as a significant force at the most prestigious film awards: the Academy Awards.

Netflix’s journey from a pioneering streaming service to a major Oscar contender is a testament to its commitment to high-quality filmmaking. This evolution began in earnest around 2018, and since then, the streamer has consistently garnered major nominations, challenging the traditional studio model. Its films have attracted A-list directors, celebrated actors, and compelling stories, proving that the artistic merit of a film is not confined by its distribution channel. From psychological dramas to biographical epics and satirical comedies, Netflix Originals have captivated critics and audiences alike, earning numerous accolades and reshaping expectations for awards season. Below, we delve into the impressive list of Netflix Original films that have earned esteemed Academy Award nominations, showcasing the platform’s profound impact on cinematic excellence.

The Power of the Dog (2021)

Directed by the acclaimed Jane Campion, The Power of the Dog is a haunting Western psychological drama that captivated audiences and critics alike. Starring a powerful ensemble cast including Kirsten Dunst, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jesse Plemons, and Kodi Smit-McPhee, the film delves into themes of toxic masculinity, repressed desires, and simmering tensions on a remote Montana ranch. Its intricate narrative and stunning cinematography earned it a leading 12 nominations at the 2022 Academy Awards.

The film was a strong contender for the coveted Best Picture award, a significant milestone for a streaming-first release, and garnered nominations for Best Director (Jane Campion), Best Actor (Benedict Cumberbatch), Best Supporting Actor (Jesse Plemons and Kodi Smit-McPhee), Best Supporting Actress (Kirsten Dunst), and several technical categories. While it faced stiff competition, particularly from CODA, its recognition underscored Netflix’s growing influence and capacity to produce award-winning cinematic masterpieces. Jane Campion notably made history as the third woman to win Best Director for this film, solidifying its place in Oscar history.

Tick, Tick…Boom! (2021)

Tick, Tick…Boom! marked the impressive directorial debut of Lin-Manuel Miranda, bringing the semi-autobiographical musical by Jonathan Larson to the screen with vibrant energy. Andrew Garfield stars as the ambitious yet struggling composer Jonathan Larson, navigating the pressures of life and art in New York City. The film also features strong performances from Alexandra Shipp, Vanessa Hudgens, and Judith Light, capturing the essence of theatrical passion and existential dread.

Andrew Garfield’s powerful portrayal, combining acting prowess with surprisingly strong vocal talent, earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. The film also received a nomination for Best Film Editing, acknowledging its dynamic and seamless storytelling. While Garfield was a strong contender, ultimately losing to Will Smith for King Richard, his performance was widely celebrated, cementing Tick, Tick…Boom! as a standout musical drama and a significant entry in Netflix’s awards portfolio.

Don’t Look Up (2021)

Don’t Look Up, directed by Adam McKay, is a star-studded satirical disaster comedy that critiques societal apathy towards existential threats like climate change. The film boasts an incredible ensemble cast including Jennifer Lawrence, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Tyler Perry, Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett, and Timothee Chalamet. The plot follows two astronomers attempting to warn an indifferent world about an approaching comet that will destroy Earth, a thinly veiled allegory for contemporary issues.

Despite its polarizing reception, Don’t Look Up resonated enough with Academy voters to secure four nominations at the 2022 Oscars: Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Score, and Best Film Editing. Its strong showing in these major categories highlighted its relevance and the impact of its biting social commentary, further diversifying the types of films Netflix champions during awards season.

The Lost Daughter (2021)

Maggie Gyllenhaal made a striking directorial debut with The Lost Daughter, a psychological drama based on the novel by Elena Ferrante. The film stars Olivia Colman as Leda, a middle-aged academic whose holiday in Greece takes an unsettling turn when she becomes obsessed with a young mother (Dakota Johnson) and her daughter, prompting Leda to confront her own complex memories and experiences as a young mother. The film meticulously explores themes of motherhood, regret, and the societal pressures on women.

The Lost Daughter earned three significant Oscar nominations, acknowledging its powerful storytelling and exceptional performances. Olivia Colman received a nod for Best Actress for her nuanced and deeply felt portrayal of Leda, while Jessie Buckley was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of young Leda. Gyllenhaal also received a nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay, highlighting her skill in translating Ferrante’s intricate narrative to the screen. The film’s critical success further solidified Netflix’s reputation for backing artistically ambitious projects.

Mank (2020)

In 2021, David Fincher’s black-and-white biographical drama, Mank, became a major contender at the 93rd Academy Awards. The film meticulously chronicles the turbulent life of screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz, as he races to finish the script for Orson Welles’s cinematic masterpiece, “Citizen Kane.” Starring Gary Oldman in the titular role and Amanda Seyfried as Marion Davies, the film is a loving homage to Hollywood’s Golden Age, both in its aesthetic and its narrative depth.

Mank led the nominations that year with ten nods, including prestigious categories such as Best Picture, Best Director (David Fincher), Best Actor (Gary Oldman), and Best Supporting Actress (Amanda Seyfried). While it faced strong competition and ultimately lost Best Picture to Chloe Zhao’sNomadland, the film celebrated wins for its outstanding technical achievements, securing Oscars for Best Cinematography (Erik Messerschmidt) and Best Production Design. These wins underscored Fincher’s meticulous vision and the film’s impressive craftsmanship, demonstrating Netflix’s capacity to produce visually stunning period pieces.

The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)

Directed and written by the inimitable Aaron Sorkin, The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a powerful historical drama that recounts the infamous 1969 trial of seven anti-Vietnam War protestors. These activists were charged with conspiracy and inciting riots at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, sparking a monumental legal battle that captured the nation’s attention. The film features an all-star ensemble cast, including Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Sacha Baron Cohen, Daniel Flaherty, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michael Keaton, and Eddie Redmayne, who bring Sorkin’s sharp dialogue and intense courtroom drama to life.

The film garnered widespread acclaim for its timely themes and gripping narrative, earning six Academy Award nominations, including the prestigious Best Picture. Sacha Baron Cohen received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his compelling portrayal of Abbie Hoffman. Despite its critical success and multiple nominations, The Trial of the Chicago 7 did not secure any wins, but its significant presence in the race underscored Netflix’s ability to produce relevant and impactful historical dramas that resonate with contemporary audiences.

Pieces of a Woman (2020)

Pieces of a Woman is a profoundly moving and raw drama that delves into the harrowing journey of trauma and grief following an devastating home birth. The film is anchored by an unforgettable lead performance from Vanessa Kirby, who portrays Martha, a woman grappling with unimaginable loss. Directed by Kornél Mundruczó, the film also features strong supporting roles from Shia LaBeouf, Molly Parker, and Sarah Snook, who navigate the complex emotional landscape surrounding Martha’s tragedy. Its opening 20-minute sequence, an uninterrupted shot depicting the birth, was widely praised for its intensity and realism.

Vanessa Kirby’s tour-de-force performance, filled with raw emotion and vulnerability, earned her a well-deserved nomination for Best Actress at the 2021 Academy Awards. While she ultimately lost to Frances McDormand for Nomadland, Kirby’s portrayal was hailed as one of the year’s most powerful, solidifying her status as a formidable talent. Pieces of a Woman stands as a poignant example of Netflix’s commitment to showcasing profound human stories through exceptional acting.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020)

A powerhouse entry at the 2021 Oscars, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is a compelling drama based on August Wilson’s play, set in 1927 Chicago. The film vividly explores a single tumultuous recording session with the pioneering blues singer Ma Rainey, dubbed the “Mother of the Blues,” and her ambitious band members. Directed by George C. Wolfe, the movie showcases transcendent performances from its lead actors: Chadwick Boseman as the charismatic and tormented trumpeter Levee, and Viola Davis as the formidable and uncompromising Ma Rainey.

The film earned multiple nominations, including Best Actor for Chadwick Boseman (a posthumous nomination for his final film role) and Best Actress for Viola Davis. Its strong artistic merits were recognized with two Academy Awards: Best Makeup and Hairstyling and Best Costume Design, celebrating its meticulous period detail and transformative artistry. Boseman’s performance, in particular, was widely celebrated as a career-defining turn, leaving a lasting legacy in cinematic history and marking a bittersweet milestone for Netflix’s awards campaign.

The Irishman (2019)

A true cinematic event, Martin Scorsese’s epic crime drama The Irishman reunited legendary actors Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci for a sprawling tale of organized crime. The film follows hitman Frank Sheeran (De Niro) as he recounts his involvement with the Bufalino crime family and his complicated relationship with union leader Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino). Utilizing groundbreaking de-aging technology, Scorsese presented a profound meditation on aging, loyalty, regret, and the passage of time, themes deeply resonant within the gangster genre.

The Irishman was a colossal presence at the 2020 Academy Awards, securing ten nominations, second only to Joker. These included coveted nods for Best Picture, Best Director, and two Best Supporting Actor nominations for Al Pacino and Joe Pesci. Despite its critical adoration and numerous nominations, the film famously left the ceremony without any wins, becoming one of the most nominated films in Oscar history to be shut out. Nevertheless, its critical success and prestigious nominations cemented Netflix’s status as a serious player capable of attracting legendary filmmakers and projects of grand ambition.

Marriage Story (2019)

Noah Baumbach’s poignant and deeply personal drama, Marriage Story, offered a raw and honest portrayal of a couple navigating the complexities of divorce. Starring Adam Driver as Charlie and Scarlett Johansson as Nicole, the film provides an intimate look at the emotional toll and logistical challenges of separating, all while trying to maintain a semblance of family for their young son. Baumbach’s script was praised for its sharp dialogue and empathetic understanding of both characters’ perspectives.

Marriage Story received six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Adam Driver), Best Actress (Scarlett Johansson), and Best Original Screenplay. Its most notable win came in the Best Supporting Actress category, where Laura Dern triumphed for her electrifying performance as Nicole’s formidable divorce lawyer, Nora Fanshaw. Dern’s portrayal was widely celebrated, becoming one of the film’s most memorable aspects. The film’s success highlighted Netflix’s dedication to supporting auteur-driven, character-focused storytelling.

The Two Popes (2019)

Fernando Meirelles’ The Two Popes offers a captivating and often humorous glimpse into a pivotal moment in the Catholic Church’s history, set against the backdrop of the Vatican leaks scandal. The film imagines a series of conversations between Pope Benedict XVI (Jonathan Pryce) and Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio (now Pope Francis, played by Anthony Hopkins) as the former attempts to convince the latter to reconsider his resignation as archbishop. It’s a thoughtful exploration of faith, tradition, change, and the burdens of leadership.

The critically acclaimed film garnered three nominations at the 2020 Academy Awards: Best Actor for Jonathan Pryce, Best Supporting Actor for Anthony Hopkins, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Both Pryce and Hopkins delivered masterful performances, capturing the distinct personalities and intellectual sparring of their real-life counterparts. The film was praised for its insightful dialogue, its balanced portrayal of differing viewpoints, and its ability to humanize two of the world’s most influential religious figures, further demonstrating Netflix’s diverse range of compelling storytelling.

Roma (2018)

Alfonso Cuarón’s semi-autobiographical masterpiece, Roma, marked a monumental achievement for Netflix at the 2019 Academy Awards. Filmed in stunning black-and-white, the film is a deeply personal and immersive portrait of a middle-class family’s live-in housekeeper, Cleo (played by the extraordinary Yalitza Aparicio), in 1970s Mexico City. It explores themes of class, race, gender, and the hidden lives of domestic workers with profound empathy and visual poetry.

Roma was a critical darling, garnering ten nominations, tying with The Favourite for the most nods that year. These nominations included Best Picture, Best Actress (Yalitza Aparicio), Best Supporting Actress (Marina de Tavira), and Best Original Screenplay. The film ultimately won three Academy Awards: Best Director for Alfonso Cuarón, Best Foreign Language Film (making it the first Mexican film to win in that category), and Best Cinematography. Its success was groundbreaking, as it became the first Netflix film to win major Oscars, signaling a significant shift in how the Academy recognized films from streaming services and paving the way for future Netflix contenders.

Mudbound (2017)

Mudbound holds a significant place in Netflix’s awards history as its first feature film to compete at the Academy Awards. Directed by Dee Rees, this powerful historical drama is set in post-World War II Mississippi and intertwines the lives of two families – one white, one Black – as they struggle with poverty, racism, and the harsh realities of farm life. The film sensitively explores the enduring impact of war and systemic prejudice through the eyes of two returning veterans, one from each family.

At the 2018 Oscars, Mudbound earned four nominations: Best Supporting Actress for Mary J. Blige, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Song (“Mighty River”), and Best Cinematography. While it didn’t win any of its categories, its presence marked a pivotal moment for Netflix, demonstrating that a streaming service could produce films that command respect and recognition from Hollywood’s most traditional institutions. Mudbound truly changed awards shows forever, initiating a new era where streaming films became formidable contenders for cinema’s highest honors.

From Mudbound‘s historic first nominations to The Power of the Dog‘s sweeping recognition, Netflix has undeniably carved out a prominent place at the Academy Awards. Its journey reflects a broader shift in the film industry, showcasing how innovative distribution models can still foster and celebrate cinematic artistry at the highest level. As Netflix continues to invest in diverse stories and collaborate with visionary talent, its presence at future Oscars ceremonies is not just anticipated, but expected. The streaming giant has not only adapted to the changing times but has actively shaped them, proving that the future of award-winning cinema is as dynamic and expansive as the global audience it serves.