How the $100 billion Hollywood machine is scrambling to come back after its worst year in decades

The domestic box office fell to a 40-year low in 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic.Samantha Lee/Insider

• The pandemic shuttered nearly every part of Hollywood — from movie theaters to stand-up comedy.
• Actors, musicians, filmmakers, and showrunners all struggled to pivot during a seemingly never-ending crisis.
• Insider's entertainment team spent three months investigating how the industry has managed to press on.

The coronavirus pandemic devastated movie theaters, canceled premieres, shook up awards shows, and changed the $100 billion industry.

And the damage was severe: The domestic box office had the worst showing in four decades while awards shows saw their lowest ratings ever.

Still, pockets of the industry didn't fare so badly. The music industry, which largely took advantage of ever-evolving technology, found success in streaming and virtual performances.

Insider's entertainment team spent three months digging into Hollywood, speaking with actors, including Pete Davidson and Michael B. Jordan, along with stand-up comedians, and even fans, who detailed just how 2020 affected an industry meant to bring joy to the masses.

But when that industry is brought to its knees, how does it stand up again?