Matthew Belloni speaks with Robert Newman, a Partner at William Morris Endeavor known for representing auteur filmmakers. They dive into the enduring impact of Academy Awards on filmmakers' careers, discussing how wins can significantly enhance project opportunities and industry recognition. Newman shares insights on the evolving relevance of the Oscars amidst changing viewer interest and suggests ways to improve the awards. The conversation also speculates on the ratings for the upcoming ceremony, highlighting the influence of streaming platforms.
Winning an Oscar can significantly enhance a filmmaker's opportunities, directly influencing project funding and career trajectories in Hollywood.
Despite declining viewership, the perceived prestige of the Oscars has arguably increased, especially in the ever-evolving streaming landscape.
Deep dives
Launch of Ringer Movies
The introduction of the Ringer Movies YouTube channel is a significant development for movie enthusiasts. This channel will feature full episodes of popular shows like The Big Picture and The Rewatchables, alongside special live episodes and insightful deep-dives into movie history. Engaging content, such as impersonations and analyses from various movie-loving personalities at The Ringer, promises to enhance the viewer experience. This expansion into YouTube aims to capture the attention of a broader audience that appreciates comprehensive movie coverage.
The Oscar Cachet Debate
While the career boost associated with winning an Oscar is well-recognized, its significance may be shifting in today's cinematic landscape. Despite declining viewership for the Oscars and a drift from mainstream nominations, insiders argue that the prestige of an Oscar has arguably increased, particularly in the era of streaming. Filmmakers and actors, such as Jordan Peele and Timothée Chalamet, have seen substantial career advancements following their Oscar wins, showcasing that awards can still be pivotal for career trajectories. The varied examples highlight the nuanced value of the Oscar as it relates to project funding and filmmaking opportunities.
Impact of Oscar Recognition on Filmmakers
Winning an Oscar can significantly influence the opportunities available for filmmakers, as seen through varied examples from Hollywood. For instance, Guillermo del Toro's success with The Shape of Water led to a partnership with Netflix for his long-desired project, Pinocchio, highlighting how award-winning films can facilitate new ventures. Similarly, Alfonso Cuarón leveraged his Oscar win for Gravity to finance his subsequent film, Roma, which further reinforced his artistic vision. These instances illustrate the direct correlation between awards recognition and the ability to secure funding for passion projects that might otherwise struggle for support.
Evolving Industry Perceptions of the Oscars
The perception of the Oscars within the industry is complex, reflecting both changing values and ongoing relevance. Industry professionals acknowledge that while the Oscars remain highly coveted, the landscape has become increasingly competitive, with studios drawn to the recognition of award-winning filmmakers. This demand can lead to negotiations where an Oscar-winning director's value sky-rockets immediately after their win. Ultimately, the interplay between awards and career longevity suggests that while some aspects of the Oscars can be criticized, their overall impact on an artist's career remains significant.
Matt is joined by WME senior partner Robert Newman to talk about how much an Academy Award win still matters. Robert represents several accomplished auteur filmmakers and can speak to the impact an Oscar win could have on an up-and-coming director, how it influences their next project, and whether that cache has dwindled. Later he shares a few opinions on how to improve the Academy Awards (02:31). Matt finishes the show with a ratings prediction for the 97th Academy Awards (30:09).
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