Source: Facebook/ A24
In recent years, the film industry has witnessed the rise of a production and distribution company that has been making waves with its innovative approach to cinema. A24, founded in 2012, has quickly become a powerhouse in the world of independent film, garnering critical acclaim and commercial success with its unique and diverse slate of movies.
One of the hallmarks of A24's success is its willingness to take risks on new and emerging talent. The company has a keen eye for spotting up-and-coming filmmakers and giving them the resources they need to bring their visions to life. Some of the most exciting and original voices in cinema today got their start with A24, including Barry Jenkins ("Moonlight"), Ari Aster ("Hereditary"), and Robert Eggers ("The Witch").
But A24 is more than just a production company. It's also a distributor, which means it's responsible for getting its films in front of audiences. This can be a tricky business, but A24 has proven itself to be a master of the game. The company has a keen understanding of how to market its films, and it's not afraid to experiment with new and unconventional approaches. For example, when promoting "Moonlight," A24 launched a targeted marketing campaign that focused on LGBTQ audiences and emphasized the film's universal themes of love and acceptance.
The success of A24's distribution efforts can be seen in the many accolades its films have received. Over the years, A24 has produced and distributed various films, from supernatural horror to gritty realism. And despite its relatively short history, the company has already been recognized with a staggering 35 Academy Award nominations, winning 9 of them.
"Ex Machina" (2016)
A24's first Oscar win came in 2016 when "Ex Machina" won the award for Best Visual Effects. The film, directed by Alex Garland, tells the story of a programmer invited to participate in an experiment involving groundbreaking artificial intelligence.
The following year, A24 won big with "Moonlight," a coming-of-age drama directed by Barry Jenkins. The film, which explores themes of race, sexuality, and identity, won three Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor for Mahershala Ali.
"Lady Bird," (2018)
A24's success continued in 2018 with "Lady Bird," a coming-of-age comedy-drama directed by Greta Gerwig. The film was nominated for five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay, and won Best Actress for Saoirse Ronan.
The same year, A24 also released "The Florida Project," a drama about a young girl living in poverty near Walt Disney World. The film was widely praised for its raw and honest portrayal of marginalized communities and was nominated for Best Supporting Actor by Willem Dafoe.
"If Beale Street Could Talk," (2019)
In 2019, A24 won Best Supporting Actress for Regina King in "If Beale Street Could Talk," a drama directed by Barry Jenkins based on the novel by James Baldwin. The film explores themes of love, family, and racial injustice in 1970s Harlem.
"Uncut Gems," (2020)
A24 continued its winning streak in 2020 with "Uncut Gems," a crime thriller directed by Josh and Benny Safdie. The film stars Adam Sandler as a jeweler and gambling addict who gets in over his head with loan sharks. The film was widely praised for its intense pacing and Sandler's performance but was controversially snubbed for Best Picture.
"Everything Everywhere All at Once." (2022)
And most recently, the independent film studio made history at the 95th Academy Awards, sweeping the awards with their low-budget production "Everything Everywhere All at Once." The film won seven Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and three acting awards, beating out blockbusters like "Top Gun: Maverick" and "Avatar: The Way of Water."
The film, which reportedly cost $25 million to make, has earned around $108 million, marking a significant success for A24. The studio is known for producing unique, independent films and has been credited with launching the careers of notable actors like Timothée Chalamet and Lupita Nyong’o.
But the success of "Everything Everywhere All at Once" goes beyond just the accolades it received. The film's win for Best Actress marked a historic moment for Asian actors in Hollywood, with Michelle Yeoh becoming the first Asian woman to win the award. Yeoh, who was born in Malaysia, expressed her hope that her win would serve as a "beacon of hope and possibilities" for young children who look like her.
Ke Huy Quan, a Vietnamese-American actor, also won Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film, while Jamie Lee Curtis won Best Supporting Actress. The film's success is a testament to the power of diverse storytelling and representation in cinema.
Of course, A24's success is not just due to its talent for producing and distributing great films. The company is also known for its collaborative and supportive approach to filmmaking. A24 has a reputation for working closely with its filmmakers and giving them the creative freedom they need to realize their visions. This approach has led to some truly groundbreaking and boundary-pushing films, and it's no doubt a big part of why so many talented filmmakers want to work with A24.
Looking to the future, it's clear that A24 is poised for even greater success. With "Everything Everywhere All at Once" and its historic wins, A24 continues to demonstrate the power of independent film to captivate audiences and elevate diverse voices in Hollywood.