How A24 Changed Independent Cinema

Founded by Daniel Katz, David Fenkel, and John Hodges in 2012, A24 is an independent film and television production company that specialise in making distinctive films that gain large and passionate fanbases. Their unique array of work includes The Whale (2022), We Live in Time (2024), Marty Supreme (2025), and Highest 2 Lowest (2025). As of the 98th Academy Awards, A24 has been nominated for 98 Academy Awards and has won 21 in total.


Where did A24 come from?/How was A24 created?
A24 was founded on August 17, 2012; its name inspired by the Italian motorway Daniel Katz was driving on upon deciding to create the company. The initiative was to distribute films with idiosyncratic perspectives. Their logo and motion graphic intro was created by a New York based design agency, GrandArmy, in the same year A24 was founded.


2013 was a huge year for A24. The company made their first theatrical release, A Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III (2013), which was followed by movies including Spring Breakers (2013), The Bling Ring (2013), and The Spectacular Now (2013). That same September, A24 and DirecTV Cinema agreed on a $40 million (~£26 million) deal where day-and-date releases would be offered by DirecTV Cinema 30 days before A24’s theatrical release. Under this deal, the first film to be distributed was Enemy (2013). Things kept getting better that year for A24, as their distributed films would become available on Prime Video after entering yet another deal, with Amazon Prime.


A24 and Apple announced on November 18, 2018 that they entered a multi-year partnership, where A24 would make an array of original movies for Apple, without affecting films produced or acquired by A24 outside of the deal. The first films distributed under this deal include On the Rocks (2020) and The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021), which are both available to stream on Apple TV.


Fun Facts:

• Marty Supreme (2025) is A24’s highest grossing film both domestically at $96 million (~£73 million), and globally at the box office with $180 million (~£136 million).
• Lady Bird (2018) and Eighth Grade (2018) tied as A24’s highest rated films, both with 99% on Rotten Tomatoes.
• A24 launched a podcast on February 28, 2018: ‘The A24 Podcast’, which are typically discussions between two guest members from the Film & TV industry. As of early 2026, there are over 55 episodes available.
• Minari (2020) earned a record of 6 Oscar nominations in 2021.
• A24 became the first independent studio to win Best Picture and Director, as well as Best Actor in a Leading & Supporting Role, and Best Actress in a Leading & Supporting Role at the 95th Academy Awards in March 2023.

How is A24 different from other film production companies?
A24 has built a niche brand, their work often recognisable from characteristics such as complex plots, actor-based filmmaking, and darker tones. Their productions frequently encourage audiences to think and reflect, and are often unpredictable. Though they are now moving into making more commercial and mainstream productions, A24 is well known for their dedicated, auteur direction, captivating cinematography, and meaningful themes. Typically, their cinematic style shifts between surrealism, ambiguity, intricate character exploration, and many more distinctive styles.


A24 is a champion at producing psychological thrillers and horrors, more specifically ‘elevated horror’ films. They excel at making suspenseful movies within this genre that can be more disturbing and exhilarating to watch. They masterfully combine unorthodox visuals with detailed character focused storylines, which entrance their audiences. Some of their notable horrors include It Comes at Night (2017), The Lighthouse (2019), and Heretic (2024).


Somewhat similar in terms of tone and darker moods, A24 have made some notable war movies including Causeway (2022), Civil War (2024), and Warfare (2025).


As well as making dark and thrilling films, A24 brandishes their diversity by also producing LGBTQ+ inclusive movies. Whilst they occasionally still embed their signature themes and tropes to these films, these films focus heavily on the characters and their experiences, bringing raw, nuanced and emotional performances to the screen. Their selection of LGBTQ+ inclusive films include Parthenope (2024), Sorry, Baby (2025), and Pillion (2025).


How do A24 market themselves and interact with audiences?
When A24 started out, they opted for cheaper digital marketing and social media, rather than traditional TV media advertising, billboards, and radio. They aimed to save money by taking advantage of the increasing popularity of memes and images on social media, and using them to promote their films’ cinematography and art direction.


Nicolette Aizenberg joined A24 from 42West as the head of publicity. The company raised its line of credit from $50 million (~£35 million) to $125 million (~£87 million) to expand their operations, which ultimately meant having more budget for marketing and promotions.


A24 set up auctions for fans to bid on costume items, props, and set pieces from their film productions, which started in 2020. Some of the profits have been donated to Food Bank For New York City, NYC Health + Hospitals, Asian Mental Health Project, and many more charities, depending on the auction’s featured film(s). In 2022, A24 created a membership subscription called ‘AAA24’, where the benefits for members included exclusive and early access to merchandise, discounts for merchandise, and a zine every 4 months.


What are some of A24’s best films?
A24’s filmography is vast, and their ‘best’ films are subject to opinion. However, here are some of their most popular releases as well as award winning productions:

• Ex Machina (2014) - Won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.
• Room (2015) - Won the Academy Award for Best Actress.
• Moonlight (2017) - Won the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor.
• The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017) - Has been nominated for and won a number of film awards.
• Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) - Won the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing.
• The Whale (2022) - Won the Academy Award for Best Actor and Best Makeup and Hairstyling.
• Talk to Me (2022) - Has been nominated for and won an array of film awards.
• The Zone of Interest (2023) - Won the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film and Best Sound.
• The Brutalist (2024) - Won the Academy Award for Best Actor, Best Original Score, and Best Cinematography.
• Marty Supreme (2025) - Nominated for 9 Oscars.

​Ultimately, A24 has carved out a clear identity in an industry often driven by formulas. From its early focus on bold, unconventional storytelling to its growing presence in more commercial spaces, the company has remained rooted in creative risk and strong artistic vision. Its ability to balance originality with audience engagement has not only built a loyal following but also reshaped expectations of what independent film can achieve. As A24 continues to evolve, it stands as a reminder that distinctive voices and thoughtful filmmaking still have a powerful place in mainstream cinema.

Author

MAI-BUKAR DOGONYARO