Nearly all Best Picture Oscar winners are dramas. Critical reviews—especially from top festivals (Cannes, TIFF)—act as a catalyst. For example, Nomadland (2020) won the Golden Lion at Venice before glowing reviews propelled it to an Oscar.
Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight is a perfect example of a review-driven drama. The film had a tiny budget ($1.5 million) and no stars. However, it received near-universal acclaim (98% on Rotten Tomatoes). Critic A.O. Scott of The New York Times called it “a film of quiet, breathtaking mastery” (Scott, 2016). Positive reviews created a “fear of missing out” (FOMO) among general audiences, propelling it to a Best Picture Oscar. Here, reviews directly elevated an arthouse drama into popular consciousness. film semi full hot barat terbaik