Final answer:
The Oscar-winning movie of 2002 that indicated a renewed love for the movie musical was Chicago. Following the influence of Moulin Rouge!, Chicago's critical and commercial success underscored the musical film's resurgence, bolstering the production of subsequent musicals on Broadway and in cinema.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Oscar-winning movie of 2002 that signaled the return of the movie musical to favor was Chicago. This film, starring Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Richard Gere, managed to capture the essence of classic musicals while presenting it in a contemporary format that resonated with modern audiences. Its success revitalized interest in musicals both on Broadway and in the film industry. Following on the heels of Moulin Rouge!, which also contributed to the resurgence, Chicago solidified the musical's comeback with its critical acclaim and several Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
The history of musical theatre showcases an ebb and flow of thematic and stylistic trends, from the complex choreography of Agnes de Mille in Oklahoma! to the rise of the megamusical in the 1980s, epitomized by Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats. The turn of the century saw Broadway adapt and change, with productions reflecting a return to socially relevant content and a push for inclusivity, witnessed in works such as RENT and Hamilton. The success of Chicago in the early 2000s played a crucial role in proving that audiences were once again enthusiastic about musical films, setting the stage for later works like Dreamgirls and La La Land, which continued the trend of successful movie musicals.