podcast episode entitled, “Does an Oscar Matter More or Less Than Ever?”, Belloni and WME partner Robert Newman conversed about the career value of an Academy Award. The agent who specializes in representing auteur filmmakers like Danny Boyle, Alex Garland, and Guillermo Del Toro, provided examples of talent whose lives changed as a result of their Oscar win. For example, Del Toro was able to secure funding for his dream project Pinocchio because of his 2018 best director win for The Shape of Water.

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.