Disney+ subscribers certainly did not throw away their shot to stream the new Hamilton movie. The film features the original cast of the show during one of its final stage performances of the Tony-winning Broadway musical. And many Hamilton fans are already wondering whether the movie could give Lin-Manuel Miranda another chance at an Oscar win.
‘Hamilton’ became a cultural phenomenon after its 2015 debut
Following its Broadway debut in 2015, Hamilton became a cultural phenomenon the likes of which rarely comes from the theater scene nowadays. Ticket prices skyrocketed — particularly during Miranda’s original run in the lead — and the soundtrack became a bestseller.
In the years since, Hamilton has continued to loom large in pop culture. Many of the cast members have gone on to become even bigger stars. And Miranda gained high-profile gigs on Disney movies like Moana, Mary Poppins Returns, and the upcoming live-action The Little Mermaid.
As such, Miranda has gotten very close to becoming an EGOT. That distinction describes an artist who has received the highest honors in television (Emmy), music (Grammy), film (Oscar), and theater (Tony). Miranda is only missing the Oscar. Could the Disney+ release of Hamilton change that?
RELATED: Why the ‘Hamilton’ Stage Film Is Exactly What Fans Have Been Waiting For
Some speculated the movie could become an awards contender
After all, Hamilton’s success on the stage certainly translates well to the filmed performance. Disney+ enjoyed more than 752,000 downloads during the movie’s first weekend.
Yet, streaming-only releases typically have a difficult time getting Oscar attention. Perhaps the extenuating circumstances of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic allow it to slip into the race.
Unfortunately, according to Variety, the Disney+ Hamilton still won’t be in the room where it happens on Oscar night. In 1997, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences changed the eligibility rules, disqualifying recorded stage performances. Prior to that, Hamilton might have fallen under the documentary category.
Considering the show’s growing legion of fans, that’s definitely a blow. But all hope is not lost.
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical could still become an Oscar contender
When it comes to Hamilton‘s status as an Oscar-winning property, fans might just have to wait for it. The Disney+ movie is a great way for people who never got the chance to see the original cast perform to do so. But it definitely doesn’t prevent Hollywood from making a true adaptation.
Miranda’s other award-winning Broadway hit, In the Heights, is about to get a movie based on the stage production. And given the overwhelming support for Hamilton, it’s only a matter of time before the show becomes an Oscar-nominated movie. Sit tight, Hamilton. Oscar has its eyes on you.