“It would be great for a streamer to win,” says Oscar-nominated movie star

Since Amazon Studios’ “Manchester By The Sea” became the first production from a streaming service to be nominated for the award in 2017. Oscar for Best Picture, contestants have invested millions of dollars to get an award that has so far been out of reach.

But this year could be different. Apple TV+’s “Rhythm of the Heart,” a moving story about the daughter of a deaf couple who is torn between a love of music and a fear of abandoning her parents, is one of the leading contenders, next Sunday (27) , the most prestigious award in the film industry – right after having distinguished themselves in the Producers Guild and Screen Actors Guild.

“In the Rhythm of the Heart” faces the competition for best film with the darling of critics “Attack of the Dogs”gives Netflixwhich received top honors from the Directors Guild of America, Bafta and Critics Choice Awards.

“It would be great for a streamer to win, I think, because it just broadens the horizon,” said “Beat of the Heart” star Marlee Matlin, who was the first deaf actress to receive an Oscar for her lead role in the film. 1986, “Children of Silence”.

But as lockdowns continue to dwindle theater audiences, a best-picture award is likely to serve as a boon for streaming services, where seven of the 10 best-picture nominees are available by subscription. The rest can be viewed through rental or digital purchase.

“All these streamers have something to gain,” said one industry insider. “In the old days – 10 years ago – it was enough to use the buzz of the Oscars and the Golden Globes as a marketing tool to get people to the cinemas.”

“Cinema is transforming, but I don’t think it’s the death of anything,” says actress Kerry Washington. “I think we’re having more and more options and ways to enjoy content.”