LOS ANGELES — It was only three years ago when Hollywood was looking at Apple with intense skepticism.
Before launching its streaming service Apple TV+ in late 2019, the iPhone maker had confused traditional film and television industry players with a presentation that was heavy on star power — Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg plus a Sara Bareilles musical performance — and light on actual programming.
To some filmmakers and agents, the Cupertino, California, tech giant’s seemingly cautious approach to content exposed a culture clash between entertainment and Silicon Valley — one that seemed as if it would hinder the company’s ability to compete with Netflix and Walt Disney Co.'s Disney+. Now with a best picture Oscar in hand for Sian Heder’s family drama “CODA,” Apple can wave gold-plated hardware in the face of its critics. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences bestowed Apple with its highest achievement, making it the first streaming company to take best picture.
