A24

A24 Films LLC

Company type	Private
Industry	Entertainment
Founded	August 20, 2012 (2012-08-20)
Founder	Daniel Katz, David Fenkel, John Hodges
Headquarters	New York City , United States
Area served	Worldwide
Key people	Daniel Katz (co-founder), David Fenkel (co-founder), Ravi Nandan (CEO), J.B. Lockhart (CFO), Scott Belsky (technology and innovation)
Products	Films, television content
Owner	Eldridge Industries, Stripes, Access Entertainment, Thrive Capital (minority equity stakes)

A24 Films LLC, commonly referred to as A24, is a privately held American independent entertainment firm specializing in the production and distribution of films and television content. Established in 2012 by industry veterans Daniel Katz, David Fenkel, and John Hodges, A24 swiftly established a notable presence in the market with titles such as Spring Breakers, Ex Machina, Room, and The Witch. The company's main office is situated at 1245 Broadway in New York City.

A24’s operational strategy centers on creating and distributing unique, contemporary cult cinema, exemplified by Everything Everywhere All at Once, which earned seven Academy Awards including Best Picture and marked their first film to exceed $100 million in box office revenue. Their catalog features critically praised works like Moonlight, Hereditary, The Lighthouse, and Midsommar. The firm has carved out a competitive edge through its commitment to originality and artistic vision, frequently setting itself apart from typical studio productions.

Operating on a global scale, A24 encompasses divisions such as A24 Music, Television, International, and All Access (AAA24). Its affiliated entities include 2AM (providing financial backing) and partial ownership of Cherry Lane Theatre. Leadership comprises founders Katz and Fenkel, CEO Ravi Nandan, CFO JB Lockhart, along with Scott Belsky who oversees technology and innovation initiatives. Minority equity stakes are held by Eldridge Industries, Stripes, Access Entertainment, and Thrive Capital.

Within television, A24 has developed series like Euphoria, Beef, At Home with Amy Sedaris, and Ramy, broadening its reach into scripted programming. Collaborations with acclaimed directors such as Ari Aster, Robert Eggers, Darren Aronofsky, and the Safdie brothers have enhanced its standing within the industry.

A24’s strategic direction focuses on nurturing an engaged audience and promoting distinctive narratives that shape modern horror and arthouse genres. This philosophy has fueled substantial growth and established A24 as a leading entity in the independent entertainment sector.

2012–2013: Formation and initial phase

On August 20, 2012, Daniel Katz, David Fenkel, and John Hodges founded A24. Prior to this venture, Katz headed Guggenheim Partners’ film finance division; Fenkel was president and co-founder of Oscilloscope; Hodges served as Head of Production and Development at Big Beach. Seed capital was supplied by Guggenheim Partners. The company’s name derives from Italy’s A24 motorway where Katz originated the concept. The founders aimed to deliver "films from a distinctive perspective." In October 2012, Nicolette Aizenberg joined as publicity chief after moving from 42West.

To craft its branding and logo, A24 collaborated with New York creative agency GrandArmy, blending contemporary design elements with influences from classic Hollywood.

2013: Launching distribution

A24 commenced film distribution activities in 2013. Its debut theatrical release was Roman Coppola’s A Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III. Other significant releases that year included Sofia Coppola’s The Bling Ring, Harmony Korine’s Spring Breakers, James Ponsoldt’s The Spectacular Now, and Sally Potter’s Ginger & Rosa.

In September 2013, A24 negotiated a $40 million agreement with DirecTV Cinema for day-and-date releases occurring 30 days prior to theatrical premieres; the first film under this contract was Enemy. Additionally, that year saw a partnership with Amazon Prime Video to stream A24 films following their Blu-ray and DVD distribution.

2014–2017: Expansion into Television and Subsequent Projects

In May 2015, A24 established a television arm, producing the USA Network series Playing House and developing the Channing Tatum-backed show Comrade Detective. The company also committed resources to funding and developing television pilots.

January 2016 saw Sasha Lloyd join A24 to oversee international film and television distribution alongside business development efforts. The following month, A24 expanded its credit facility from $50 million to $125 million, supported by Bank of America, J.P. Morgan, and SunTrust Banks, to facilitate operational growth. In April, the company secured all foreign distribution rights for Swiss Army Man, marking its inaugural full global distribution agreement through collaboration with existing distributors.

By June, A24 partnered with Oscilloscope and Honora to distribute content via BitTorrent Now’s ad-supported platform. In January 2017, the company acquired U.S. and Chinese distribution rights for its first foreign-language feature, Menashe, further broadening its international reach.

2018–2019: Leadership Transitions and Strategic Alliances

On February 28, 2018, A24 debuted The A24 Podcast, spotlighting industry conversations with guests including Bo Burnham, Sofia Coppola, Paul Schrader, Martin Scorsese, and Alia Shawkat. The premiere episode featured directors Barry Jenkins (Moonlight) and Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird) discussing their personal approaches to filmmaking. As of October 18, 2023, the podcast has released 38 episodes.

Co-founder John Hodges announced his exit from A24 on March 26, 2018. Later that year, on November 15, A24 entered into a multi-year collaboration with Apple to produce original films for Apple TV+. This partnership was non-exclusive, enabling A24 to continue acquiring and producing films outside the agreement without impacting existing deals.

On November 13, 2019, A24 finalized a premium cable output arrangement with Showtime Networks covering all film releases through November 1, 2022, excluding those under the Apple partnership.

2020s–Present: Award Successes, Growth Initiatives, and Strategic Realignment

In July 2021, A24 explored acquisition offers valued between $2.5 billion and $3 billion. January 2022 brought former HBO and Amazon MGM Studios executive Nick Hall onboard to lead the company's expanding television slate. By April 2022, A24 introduced "AAA24," a subscription service granting members early access to exclusive merchandise and special discounts.

March 2023 marked a historic achievement as A24 became the first independent studio to claim victories in the top six categories at the 95th Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. That same month, the company acquired distribution rights for remastered editions of Darren Aronofsky's Pi (1998) and Jonathan Demme's Stop Making Sense (1984), enhancing its catalog with renowned classics.

In May 2023, German distributor Leonine Studios partnered with A24 to form "A24 | Leonine Studios," focusing on film distribution within Austria and Germany. The following month saw former Disney General Entertainment Chairman Peter Rice enter a co-financing agreement with A24 aimed at global film production.

During the Hollywood labor disputes in 2023, A24 maintained ongoing filming and promotional activities due to its independent status outside the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).

Reports in October 2023 detailed A24’s strategic shift from predominantly arthouse cinema toward more commercially oriented projects such as action films and large intellectual property (IP) ventures. This transition seeks to mitigate risks associated with auteur-driven dramas while attracting wider investment opportunities. That same month, A24 secured its first major international theatrical output deal with Japan’s Happinet Phantom Studios to distribute upcoming titles and enhance brand presence in the region.

A24 also ventured into animation with Hazbin Hotel, an adult musical comedy co-produced alongside Prime Video and Bento Box Entertainment. Premiering in January 2024 on Prime Video, it received a two-season renewal order.

In January 2024, A24 collaborated with United Talent Agency’s Civic Center Media to develop both scripted and unscripted television projects. UTA CEO Jeremy Zimmer highlighted A24’s reputation for quality and originality while emphasizing potential synergies across agencies.

Key executive appointments during this period include former NBA CFO J.B. Lockhart joining as Chief Financial Officer in October 2021. In 2023, A24 co-produced the UK-financed Holocaust drama The Zone of Interest, which premiered at Cannes before its U.S. release in December.

January 2025 saw Scott Belsky—formerly Adobe’s Chief Strategy Officer—join as partner to spearhead technology and innovation initiatives. However, by May 2025, A24 shuttered its documentary division resulting in five layoffs.

This era illustrates A24’s evolving business strategy centered on diversifying offerings and services, expanding global operations through strategic partnerships, strengthening market share in key territories, and recalibrating content focus to balance artistic integrity with commercial viability.

Social media

Since its establishment in 2012, A24 has emphasized affordable digital marketing and social media platforms rather than conventional advertising channels such as television, radio, or billboards. This approach utilized visuals and memes to showcase the distinctive art direction and cinematography featured in its films.

In 2013, creative director Zoe Beyer described A24's social media strategy as focusing on audiences who appreciate auteurs like Harmony Korine or Sofia Coppola, delivering genuine and occasionally cheeky content that embodies the company's character, thereby fostering stronger engagement and brand loyalty.

A24 auctions

A24 hosts auctions where enthusiasts can place bids on movie props, costumes, and set elements. The funds raised support charitable organizations including the FDNY Foundation, Food Bank For New York City, NYC Health + Hospitals, and Queens Community House, reflecting the company's commitment to philanthropic efforts.

Film library

Annually, A24 produces and distributes around 18 to 20 films and has broadened its scope into television with series such as At Home with Amy Sedaris, Beef, Euphoria, Hazbin Hotel, and Ramy. This expansion enhances its footprint across various entertainment domains.

The 2024 action thriller Civil War, directed by Alex Garland, stands as A24's priciest internal production with a $50 million budget. Featuring Kirsten Dunst in the role of a journalist, the film portrays a divided America in the near future and exemplifies A24’s calculated investment in prominent projects aimed at increasing revenue and market share. Released on April 12, 2024—earlier than originally scheduled—Civil War highlights A24’s flexible distribution tactics.

Moreover, A24 will distribute Ne Zha 2, which carries an $80 million budget, marking its largest financial undertaking yet and signaling assertive growth through high-budget ventures.

Highest-grossing films

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) became the first A24 film to exceed $100 million globally, representing a major financial milestone. With the forthcoming release of Ne Zha 2, distributed by A24, the company anticipates surpassing $1 billion in worldwide box office revenue—a remarkable feat for a mini-major studio.

Top-grossing films in North America

Rank	Title	Year	Domestic gross
1	Everything Everywhere All at Once	2022	$77,191,785
2	Civil War	2024	$68,756,072
3	Uncut Gems	2019	$50,023,780
4	Lady Bird	2017	$48,958,273
5	Talk to Me	2023	$48,299,436
6	Hereditary	2018	$44,069,456
7	Materialists	2025	$35,172,973
8	The Iron Claw	2023	$35,070,296
9	Babygirl	2024	$28,196,732
10	Heretic	2024	$27,986,380

Top-grossing films worldwide

Rank	Title	Year	Box office gross
1	Everything Everywhere All at Once	2022	$143,412,671
2	Civil War	2024	$127,337,886
3	Talk to Me	2023	$91,959,188
4	Hereditary	2018	$87,819,062
5	Lady Bird	2017	$78,987,280
6	Moonlight	2016	$65,172,611
7	Babygirl	2024	$64,611,362
8	Heretic	2024	$59,382,304
9	The Whale	2022	$57,615,635
10	We Live in Time	2024	$57,285,251

Key styles and themes

A24 productions are distinguished by their distinctive narrative approaches, visually compelling cinematography, and a strong focus on auteur-driven creative vision rather than conventional commercial filmmaking. Their films delve into intricate emotional landscapes, existential inquiries, and innovative genre blends that challenge audiences with unpredictable and thought-provoking storytelling.

While their visual and narrative techniques vary, A24’s works typically combine realism, intense sensory experiences, surreal elements, alternate realities, profound character exploration, emotional depth, and deliberate ambiguity.

Horror

A24 has become synonymous with producing sophisticated, psychologically charged horror films often categorized as "elevated horror". Prominent examples include Heretic (2024), Hereditary (2018), It Comes at Night (2017), The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017), Men (2022), Under the Skin (2013), and The Witch (2015). This subgenre fuses traditional horror elements with artistic sophistication and explores heavy themes such as trauma and grief, which strengthens A24’s position within the horror genre market.

War

Among A24’s significant war-themed films are Civil War (2024), which portrays a dystopian alternate version of contemporary America engulfed in civil conflict, and Warfare (2025), depicting a 2006 confrontation between US Navy Seals and Iraqi insurgents. Additional titles addressing war include The Kill Team (2019), Causeway (2022), and The Zone of Interest (2023).

Accolades

By the time of the 97th Academy Awards, A24 had accumulated 76 Oscar nominations and secured 21 wins. Noteworthy milestones comprise:

• 2016 (88th Academy Awards): Victories for Best Actress (Brie Larson in Room), Best Documentary Feature (Amy), and Best Visual Effects (Ex Machina).
• 2017 (89th Academy Awards): Moonlight earned Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay (Barry Jenkins, Tarell Alvin McCraney), and Best Supporting Actor (Mahershala Ali).
• 2021 (93rd Academy Awards): Yuh-jung Youn made history as the first Korean actress to win an acting Oscar with Best Supporting Actress for Minari.
• 2023 (95th Academy Awards): Leading all studios with 18 nominations spread across six films—including 11 for Everything Everywhere All at Once—A24 won nine Oscars, capturing seven major categories. Highlights included wins for Best Picture, Director, Actress, Supporting Actor and Actress, Original Screenplay, and Film Editing for Everything Everywhere All at Once, alongside Best Actor (Brendan Fraser) and Makeup for The Whale.
• 2024 (96th Academy Awards): Marking a first for the studio with two Best Picture contenders—Past Lives and The Zone of Interest, the latter secured awards for Best International Feature Film and Best Sound.
• 2025 (97th Academy Awards): The Brutalist received ten nominations and won in categories including Best Actor (Adrien Brody), Original Score, and Cinematography.

In addition to their Oscar success, A24 has earned numerous accolades from the British Academy Film Awards, Critics' Choice Movie Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Independent Spirit Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards. The studio's focused leadership combined with its selective project choices have solidified its competitive edge within the entertainment sector.

Furthermore, A24’s film I Saw the TV Glow was nominated for the Hugo Award in the category of Best Dramatic Presentation, Long Form.

Reception and legacy

According to a report by IndieWire, a prominent Hollywood executive described A24 as a company with boundless ambitions. Rather than aspiring to be like Focus Features, their goal is to evolve into a major media conglomerate.

Filmmaker David Lowery commended A24 for their willingness to take on demanding projects, transforming challenges into advantages. Director James Ponsoldt emphasized the company's dedication to supporting distinctive cinematic voices, which is evident in their carefully targeted marketing strategies and release plans.

Actors featured in A24 productions have frequently received widespread critical praise, with many performances regarded as standout moments in their careers. Among these are Mahershala Ali in Moonlight, Awkwafina in The Farewell, Toni Collette in Hereditary, Brendan Fraser in The Whale, Mia Goth in both X and Pearl, Tom Hardy in Locke, Brie Larson in Room, Greta Lee in Past Lives, Robert Pattinson in Good Time and The Lighthouse, Joaquin Phoenix in both C'mon C'mon and Beau Is Afraid, Florence Pugh in Midsommar, Saoirse Ronan in Lady Bird, Adam Sandler in Uncut Gems, Anya Taylor-Joy in The Witch, and Alicia Vikander in Ex Machina. In addition, the performances of Ke Huy Quan, Michelle Yeoh, and Stephanie Hsu in Everything Everywhere All at Once received exceptional acclaim.

A24 has collaborated with visionary writer-directors who have significantly advanced their careers through the company's support, including talents such as Ari Aster, Sean Baker, the Daniels, Robert Eggers, Alex Garland, Rose Glass, Joanna Hogg, Yorgos Lanthimos, David Lowery, and the Safdie brothers.

In 2023, the horror feature Talk to Me, directed by twins Danny and Michael Philippou and released on July 28, became A24’s most successful domestic horror title, grossing $44.5 million by September 3 and surpassing the box office of Hereditary. The movie was lauded for its narrative, direction, horror elements, practical effects, sound design, and acting. Renowned filmmaker Peter Jackson described it as "the best, most intense horror movie I've enjoyed in years." The film also garnered praise from directors Ari Aster, Stephen King, George Miller, and Steven Spielberg. Plans for a sequel are currently underway.