After landing its first best picture Oscar for Coda in March, Apple TV+ is looking to repeat the feat. The only problem is the Will Smith slavery drama Emancipation — considered its best shot at back-to-back honors — was pushed likely to 2023 thanks to Smith’s still-simmering Slapgate controversy. “Too fresh,” says one insider. And after Causeway, the Apple/A24 film that sees Jennifer Lawrence tackling a debilitated Afghan War veteran, made a limp debut at the Toronto Film Festival this month, Apple’s chances nosedived.
