'Slumdog Millionaire': The Best Picture Win That Almost Wasn't - mxdwn Movies
Newman illustrated the power of the award by explaining how Boyle approached him the morning after winning best director to make 127 hours (the film was later nominated for best picture). Belloni reflected: “It unlocks the passion project” to which Newman agreed.
The men proceeded to analyze the shocking events surrounding the distribution of Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire. Warner Independent Pictures originally acquired the beloved film, however, the independent film division was shut down. After being left in the hands of parent company Warner Bros., Newman described having to “beg” them not to send the film directly to the Indian home video market.
Ultimately, Newman fought to bring the film to a wide audience, Fox Searchlight took half the distribution rights, and the film that almost wasn’t enjoyed quite a bit of success, winning 8 Oscars including best picture.