Oscars Honor James Bond Amid Amazon Control Shift

The 2025 Oscars featured a tribute to the James Bond franchise, honoring longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, who recently handed over creative control to Amazon MGM Studios. Halle Berry, who starred in 'Die Another Day,' praised the duo as the 'heart and soul' of the series, emphasizing the timeless essence of Bond films. The celebration included performances by Margaret Qualley, Lisa from Blackpink, Doja Cat, and Raye, who sang iconic Bond songs such as 'Live and Let Die' and 'Skyfall.' This tribute coincided with the recent transition of the franchise's ownership, following Broccoli and Wilson's receipt of the Irving G Thalberg Memorial Award at the 2024 Governors Awards. Despite the changes, the enduring legacy of James Bond remains evident, with the franchise grossing over $7.8 billion globally. Notably, while Bond films have won several Oscars for music, they have never been nominated for Best Picture.