Walt Disney Studios confirmed Sunday that its live-action adaptation of 'Moana' has officially crossed the $1 billion mark at the global box office, cementing its place as the most successful live-action remake in the studio's history. The milestone comes just hours before the 98th Academy Awards ceremony, where the film holds seven nominations including Best Picture and Best Original Song.

The film, which opened in July 2025 to strong reviews and audience enthusiasm, stars Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as the demigod Maui alongside newcomer Lina Manuel-Grace as Moana and features new original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Its theatrical run has been sustained by extraordinary repeat viewership and strong holds in international markets, particularly across the Asia-Pacific region where it has earned over $380 million.

Disney CEO Bob Iger celebrated the achievement during a press event in Los Angeles on Saturday, calling the film 'a testament to the power of culturally authentic storytelling on a global scale.' The studio credited a marketing strategy that leaned heavily on partnerships with Pacific Island tourism boards and cultural organizations, which helped generate goodwill and word-of-mouth far beyond the typical blockbuster audience.

The billion-dollar milestone places 'Moana' ahead of 2024's 'The Lion King' prequel 'Mufasa,' which struggled to match the original remake's commercial performance, and signals a renewed confidence in Disney's live-action strategy. Industry analysts at Comscore noted that the film's legs were among the longest for any Disney release in the past decade, with weekend-to-weekend drops rarely exceeding 35 percent.

Heading into Sunday night's Oscars at the Dolby Theatre, 'Moana' is considered a frontrunner for Best Original Song for Miranda's 'Beyond the Reef,' though its Best Picture chances remain uncertain in a competitive field that includes several critically acclaimed dramas. Regardless of awards outcomes, Disney has already greenlit development on a live-action sequel, with Johnson confirmed to return.