Who Owns MGM?

MGM's sustainability practices fall under Amazon's corporate sustainability framework. Amazon has committed to reaching net-zero carbon by 2040 through The Climate Pledge, co-founded in 2019. The company matched 100% of electricity consumed by global operations with renewable energy in 2024 for the second consecutive year.

Amazon MGM Studios has taken a specific role in entertainment industry sustainability by sponsoring the first Sustainable Production for Entertainment Certification (SPEC) program through the U.S. Green Building Council California. This program trains entertainment professionals in waste reduction, supply chain management, carbon calculation, and energy management for film and television productions. Amazon MGM Studios is the first studio to implement SPEC training.

MGM's production facilities incorporate energy-efficient lighting, renewable energy sources where possible, and waste management programs. The studio has adopted green production guidelines including renewable energy generators on set, digital script distribution to reduce paper waste, and recycling programs for production materials.

MGM does not publish brand-specific sustainability reports. Environmental metrics are included within Amazon's broader sustainability reporting, available in Amazon's annual sustainability report.

MGM has won over 200 Academy Awards throughout its history, including multiple Best Picture winners: Ben-Hur (1959), Gigi (1958), An American in Paris (1951), and Mrs. Miniver (1942). The studio's films have received thousands of Oscar nominations across all categories.

Amazon MGM Studios received eight Golden Globe nominations in December 2024, with recognition for 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith,' 'Challengers,' and 'Nickel Boys.'

MGM Television has received Emmy Awards for programming including The Handmaid's Tale (Hulu) and recognition for Fargo (FX). The Handmaid's Tale won the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series in 2017, making it the first streaming service show to win the award.

In 2026, 'Project Hail Mary' became Amazon MGM Studios' biggest box office release since the acquisition and the number one streaming movie in the United States according to JustWatch after debuting on MGM+.

The James Bond franchise, MGM's most valuable property, has generated over $7 billion in box office revenue across 25 films. The franchise's cultural impact spans over 60 years, making it one of the longest-running and highest-grossing film franchises in history.

MGM has faced several significant controversies throughout its history.

In November 2010, MGM filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after struggling with approximately $4 billion in debt. The bankruptcy followed the 2008 financial crisis and declining DVD sales. Creditors took ownership of the studio, marking a low point for the once-dominant Hollywood studio. MGM emerged from bankruptcy within a month under a pre-packaged reorganization plan.

The studio went through multiple ownership changes from the 1970s through the 2010s. Kirk Kerkorian bought and sold MGM multiple times, stripping assets including props and costumes. Ted Turner's 1986 acquisition was primarily for the film library, which he used to launch Turner Classic Movies. These transitions created uncertainty about the studio's direction and creative independence.

Amazon's $8.5 billion acquisition in 2022 faced regulatory scrutiny from the European Commission and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. Both bodies approved the deal without conditions, though some critics argued the acquisition gave Amazon excessive control over film content.

The most significant recent controversy involves the James Bond franchise. In February 2025, Amazon MGM Studios took full creative control of the Bond franchise from Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, the daughter and stepson of original producer Albert R. 'Cubby' Broccoli. The Broccoli family had maintained creative control since the 1960s. The transition was controversial among some Bond fans who expressed concern about corporate ownership of a franchise historically managed by a single family. Reports indicated that Broccoli and Wilson had resisted Amazon's creative direction before the joint venture agreement was reached.

The next Bond film (Bond 26) has been the subject of intense speculation. Denis Villeneuve was announced as director in June 2025, with Steven Knight as screenwriter. As of August 2026, no actor had been cast to replace Daniel Craig, whose final Bond film was 'No Time to Die' (2021). Producer Amy Pascal indicated the next Bond actor could be announced by the end of 2026, but no official timeline has been confirmed.

MGM has also faced content licensing disputes. Following Amazon's acquisition, existing sub-licensing agreements with Hulu and Paramount+ required renegotiation. Some MGM content previously available on competing platforms had to be managed to avoid disrupting existing contracts.