Inside Warner Bros.'s Oscar success with 'Sinners,' 'Weapons,' 'One Battle' - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Gregory Ellwood

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Pam Abdy and Michael De Luca, co-chairs of Warner Bros.'s Motion Picture Group, have transformed the studio into a powerhouse of original content, earning record-breaking Oscar success and box office revenues. Their 2025 slate grossed over $4 billion and included *Sinners*, which scored a historic 16 Academy Award nominations, marking the first time a domestic distributor has earned three Best Picture nominees in a single year since Paramount in 1973. This achievement underscores their strategic focus on acquiring standout projects like Ryan Coogler’s *Sinners* and Paul Thomas Anderson’s *One Battle After Another*, which resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. Their ability to attract top filmmakers, including auteurs like Anderson and Nolan, has positioned Warner Bros. as a destination for innovative storytelling. Abdy and De Luca’s success stems from their emphasis on nurturing original IP and fostering relationships with visionary directors. They prioritize films that connect emotionally with audiences, as evidenced by *Sinners’* test screenings, where viewers were moved to tears by its emotional depth. Their track record includes hits like *House of Gucci* and *Licorice Pizza*, which highlights their ability to balance commercial success with critical acclaim. This approach has not only revitalized Warner Bros. but also set a high bar for the entertainment industry, proving that investing in fresh, bold projects can yield extraordinary results. The duo’s achievements matter because they demonstrate how collaboration between studios and filmmakers can drive innovation in Hollywood. Their focus on original storytelling and talent development has redefined Warner Bros.’s brand, making it a key player in the post-pandemic film landscape. As the industry faces challenges like streaming competition and shifting audience preferences, Abdy and De Luca’s success serves as a blueprint for sustainable growth, proving that staying true to creative excellence can deliver both artistic and financial rewards. Their work not only honors the studio’s legacy but also sets a new standard for what studios can achieve in the modern era.

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/23/2026