Netflix’s Harry and Meghan: Oscar Dreams Dashed

The 2023 Oscar nominations have made waves, and one notable absence has left many talking.

The highly anticipated Netflix docuseries featuring Prince Harry and Meghan Markle failed to secure a nomination, much to the dismay of its creators.

As the nominees were announced by Alison Williams and Riz Ahmed during a live broadcast, it became clear that the couple's aspirations for an Academy Award were not meant to be this year.

Meghan Markle, who had been vocal about her hopes for recognition, likely felt crushed when the news broke.

Despite her extensive public relations efforts to promote the six-part series, it seems that those endeavors fell flat.

Speculations suggest that factors such as racism, sexism, and internal palace politics may have played a role in the snub.

Just two weeks prior, reports indicated that Netflix had submitted the series for consideration as a Best Documentary contender, raising hopes for the couple.

With the full list of nominations set to be revealed on January 24, the couple was left waiting anxiously for a glimmer of hope.

The Academy's 6,291 members will cast their votes, and only time will tell if Harry and Meghan will get their moment on the red carpet.

Meanwhile, insiders from Netflix hinted that the success of both the docuseries and Harry's tell-all memoir, “Spare,” could increase pressure on the couple to participate in a reality series.

However, they have hesitated, fearing it might tarnish their image.

Should they miraculously clinch an Oscar on March 21 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the award would be shared with their production company, Archwell, along with independent producers Story Syndicate and Diamond Documentaries.

This potential win comes amid growing criticism over Harry's autobiography, which has sparked outrage worldwide.

Nevertheless, sources within the studio remain optimistic, asserting that the couple's Oscar aspirations won't be overshadowed by ongoing controversies.

In a remarkable debut for a Netflix documentary, the series garnered an astounding 81.6 million viewing hours within just four days of its release.

The final episode saw an impressive 97.7 million hours viewed.

While Netflix has remained tight-lipped about the situation, insiders reveal that the company is actively campaigning behind the scenes to bolster the series' chances for an Oscar nod.

Despite the uproar surrounding their series, which includes Harry's candid revelations about family tensions and personal struggles, the couple is reportedly gaining traction among Hollywood's elite.

Many industry insiders share their progressive views and perceive the docuseries as groundbreaking rather than merely a royal reality show.

If this sentiment resonates with Academy voters, it could translate into serious support for an Oscar nomination.

Interestingly, the Academy itself might benefit from this scenario.

As nominees in their own right, Harry and Meghan could be given a chance to present a major acting award during the ceremony, boosting ratings for the event.

Their presence would likely draw attention, making it a win-win for both the couple and the Academy.

While the couple's first docuseries has been deemed a classy offering, Harry's controversial memoir has prompted Netflix executives to push for more content featuring the Sussexes.

The question remains whether they will agree to film at home or continue to resist the idea of a reality series.

As the countdown to the Oscars continues, all eyes will be on Harry and Meghan.

Will they find a way to turn their narrative around and secure a coveted place among the nominees?