2023 Oscars break records, surprise with a tie, and mark Warner Bros.' last hurrah
The 2023 Oscars stretched over 3.5 hours, drawing attention for its length and standout moments. Behind the scenes, around 700 crew members ensured the telecast ran smoothly, while caterer Wolfgang Puck crafted 2,000 miniature chocolate Oscars for attendees.
The night's biggest winner was One Battle After Another, securing six awards. Warner Bros. matched a long-standing record by taking home 11 Oscars in total—more than any other studio that year.
A rare tie occurred in the best live-action short film category. Both *The Singers* and *Two People Exchanging Saliva* shared the honour, marking one of the ceremony's surprises. Meanwhile, songwriter Diane Warren extended her record of Oscar nominations without a win. Her 17th loss left her still awaiting her first Academy Award. Months later, in early 2026, Warner Bros. faced a major shift. Paramount Skydance agreed to acquire the studio in late February, though the deal remains pending US regulatory approval as of March 17. No immediate changes to Warner Bros.' film productions or artistic direction have been announced.
The 2023 Oscars left a mark with its extended runtime, record-breaking wins, and a rare tie. For Warner Bros., the event highlighted a peak in awards success before its future under new ownership took shape. The studio's next steps will depend on the outcome of the ongoing acquisition process.
