Which Streaming Service Will Win Big at the 2021 Oscars?

Netflix, Amazon, Disney+, Hulu, and Apple TV+ all have movies nominated. But which will come out on top?

This year's Oscars are set to take place on April 25, 2021, celebrating the best movies that were released in 2020.

Of course, the cinematic landscape was radically different in 2020 compared to all previous years dating back to the end of WWII. With many of the world's cinemas closed due to COVID-19 precautions, streaming services stepped up to keep us entertained.

Which means that streaming services lead the 2021 Oscars nominations. But which one will win big on the night?

What Films Are Nominated for the 2021 Oscars?

The 2021 Oscars are set to be swept by streaming services. Leading the pack is Netflix with 35 nominations and Amazon Studios with 12. Disney+, Hulu, and Apple TV+ have also received various Academy Award nominations.

Netflix's Mank, a film about the man who wrote the screenplay for Citizen Kane, is up for 10 awards, including the coveted Best Picture. The Trial of the Chicago 7, written and directed by the legendary Aaron Sorkin, is nominated in six categories.

Amazon Studios has received nominations for Sound of Metal (Best Picture), One Night in Miami (Best Supporting Actor for Leslie Odom Jr.), Borat Subsequent Moviefilm (Best Supporting Actress for Maria Bakalova), and Time (Best Documentary).

Elsewhere, Disney+'s Mulan is nominated for Best Costume Design, along with Soul for Best Animated Feature Film. Apple TV+ is also nominated for the latter for Wolfwalkers, and Tom Hanks' Greyhound is up for Best Sound.

The full list of nominations can be viewed on the Oscars website.

Which Streaming Service Will Dominate the Oscars?

While it's possible the likes of Netflix and Amazon could walk away empty-handed, it's very unlikely considering the number of nominations.

Netflix's Mank will probably perform well, since it's a film about Hollywood, and that will appeal to Academy voters. It also received generally positive reviews, with Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian calling it an "addictive romantic drama".

Equally, The Trial of the Chicago 7 is in with a chance for Netflix. Aaron Sorkin has now been nominated for four Academy Awards, though has only won once for The Social Network in 2011.

It's expected that Pixar will take home Best Animated Film for Disney+, since the studio often dominates that category. Pixar also have Onward up for the same award. And while it's available to stream on Disney+, the film debuted in theaters.

Related: The Best Movies and TV Shows to Watch on Disney+

Considering the Oscars' history of giving awards predominately to white actors, it's pleasing to see Leslie Odom Jr. nominated for One Night in Miami. The film centers around Cassius Clay, Jim Brown, Sam Cooke, and Malcom X as they discuss their success during the civil rights movement.

Empire dubbed the film a "a fresh insight ... and a snapshot of a future filmmaking great just getting started", so don't be surprised to see it scoop at least one award for Amazon on the night.

Riz Ahmed has also made history as the first Muslim to be nominated for Best Actor for his role in Sound of Metal, though he has tough competition. That category also contains Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield, both for Judas and the Black Messiah which debuted on HBO Max the same day as it was released in theaters.

Get Prepared for the 2021 Oscars

If the COVID-19 pandemic hadn't happened, streaming services wouldn't be dominating this year's Oscars so much. Unfortunately, the closure of many theaters worldwide meant that studios had to seek alternative distributors. For example, Paramount Pictures was originally set to release The Trial of the Chicago 7, before Netflix acquired the rights.

Do you enjoy watching the Oscars each year? If so, there's still time to get prepared for this year's ceremony on Sunday, April 25 at 5PM PT. So why not order your snacks, sign up to all the streaming services so you can watch the films that are nominated, and then place your bets with friends.

About The Author