Full Coverage: Oscars 2015: ‘Birdman,’ the best picture winner, from A to Z
The Oscars love movies about show business, or so the conventional Hollywood wisdom goes, and the 2015 Academy Awards ceremony Sunday was no exception. "Birdman" -- starring Michael Keaton as a washed-up movie superhero who seeks redemption on the Broadway stage, alongside Emma Stone, Edward Norton et al -- took home four prizes, including the award for best picture. But it was also the second-lowest-grossing film in the last 40 years to win the top Oscar.
How much do you really know about the film? Here are key Times interviews, profiles and our review of "Birdman," from A to Z (that's from director Alejandro G. Iñárritu to costar Zach Galifianakis, if you're the literal type).
The Oscars: 'Birdman' is best
"Birdman" soared at the Oscars. It won for best film, best director for Alejandro G. Iñárritu, cinematography for Emmanuel Lubezki, and original screenplay for Iñárritu, Nicolás Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris Jr. and Armando Bo.
The director: Reel regal
Alejandro G. Iñárritu was at a creative crossroads several years ago when he decided to make "Birdman," a story of a man on a similar journey.
The actor: 'A once-in-a-lifetime kind of role'
"You spend your whole career waiting for your pitch, hoping you'll be ready when it comes because you don't get something like this again," said Michael Keaton in an interview with The Times.
The actress: 'This year has been mind-boggling'
Emma Stone sees her career thrive as Sam, the tightly wound, embittered daughter in "Birdman" -- and as Sally Bowles in the Broadway revival of "Cabaret."
The review: Irony lurks in every shadow
As a latter-day celluloid superhero come to Broadway's proving ground for a rebirth, Michael Keaton's Burning Man histrionics on stage and off are hysterically on point, Times film critic Betsy Sharkey writes.
The cinematographer: Lubezki aimed high
Oscar-winning cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki is known for his long takes and bold innovation, but capturing an entire backstage comedy with the illusion of one unbroken shot? Working on "Birdman" with director Iñárritu was a new experiment.
The long shot: 'Birdman' creators on rehearsing the labyrinth-like film
Watch the creators of "Birdman" discuss the film's unique rehearsal process.
The music: Behind the film's percussive score
As a musician used to working on the fringes of popular culture, Antonio Sanchez never anticipated that his skills as an improvisational jazz drummer would lead to Hollywood.
The accolades: Pre-Oscars build-up
With wins from the Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild, Directors Guild, Producers Guild, Art Directors Guild and more, "Birdman" gains Oscar momentum.
From the Oscars to the Emmys.
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