“CODA”, the heartwarming movie about a deaf family with a hearing daughter, has won the prestigious best picture prize at the Oscars.
Sunday’s win for CODA marked the first time a streaming service took home the film industry’s biggest prize.
“CODA” was released by Apple TV+, which beat Netflix Inc’s contender “The Power of the Dog” and other entries from traditional Hollywood studios.
Lady Gaga and Liza Minnelli presented the award to the film, which follows teenage Ruby who can hear as she juggles pursuing her musical ambitions with her family’s dependence on her to communicate.
“I really want to thank the academy for recognizing a movie of love and family at this difficult time that we need today,” producer Patrick Wachsberger said in front of the film’s cast stood on stage.
“CODA” managed to take home the coveted prize despite being one of the least-nominated films with only three coming into Sunday.
94th Academy Awards that steadily maintained a buoyant spirit was rocked when best actor winner Will Smith slapped presenter Chris Rock onstage over a joke about the actor’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
The theatre turned sombre moments later when Smith, back in his seat, shouted back, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f**king mouth”.