Apple TV+ officially flew past Netflix and Prime Video and walked away with a best picture Oscar for CODA. It is, notably, the first film released by a streaming platform to pick up the Academy Awards’ top prize. And the streaming platform is already seeing a post-Oscars boost. According to Variety, in just the first few days since the 94th Academy Awards ceremony, Apple TV+ viewership has increased by a sizable 25%. As for the film itself, Variety indicates the film’s viewership has increased by a staggering 300%. (We first saw this at IGN.)
While the number is undoubtedly giant, it’s not exactly surprising. The film picked up the award in every category for which it had been nominated. In addition to best picture, writer/director Siân Heder scooped up the best-adapted screenplay. Additionally, Troy Kotsur picked up best supporting actor. Kotsur, who is the second Deaf actor to win an acting Oscar, gave a lovely, truly moving speech which was one of the night’s highlights. Given the acclaim surrounding the movie—including picking up several other major prizes throughout awards season—it’s not surprising that people want to see what the fuss is all about.
Set in coastal Massachusetts, the film follows Ruby, the child of deaf adults (CODA) and the only hearing person in her family, as she chooses between her family’s fishing business and pursuing her passion for music in college. The film stars Emilia Jones, Marlee Matlin, Kotsur, Daniel Durant, Eugenio Derbez, and Ferdia Walsh-Peelo.
Now, it’s hard to say exactly what that means in terms of numbers. Apple TV+ doesn’t release specific data. But still, these percentage increases are pretty sizable. And if the viewers stick around, it could bode very well for the streaming platform. As Variety points out, however, this spike is very soon after the Oscar win. And given that Apple TV+ has a seven-day free trial, the viewers could opt out after checking out the Oscar-winning film. But given its frankly impressive ever-growing catalog, I’m definitely curious to see how the numbers hold. On the TV front alone, Ted Lasso was one of the platform’s first smashing successes. Plus, shows like Severance and The Afterparty continue to drum up acclaim.