Spielberg vs. Netflix

In light of Roma's recent sweep at the Oscar's which secured them 10 nominations and 3 wins, director Steven Spielberg seeks to ban movies from streaming services. Spielberg thinks that a movie released on a streaming platform should be considered as a TV movie or straight to video release, therefore making them ineligible for Oscar consideration. Netflix has come out to combat this statement saying that they bring A-List movies to people who wouldn't otherwise see them, which in part, grows the appeal of the Oscars. The heated exchange between the two has taken it's next step, Spielberg intends to bring the issue to the official Oscar board. He is devoted to perserving the theatrical movie going experience and wants to be sure there will never be another Roma at the Oscars.

It's an interesting topic for me because I can understand both sides. The one side of me wants everyone to go out to the movie theater and support these amazing movies in their initial release, while the other side says that Netflix movies are the next generation and gets more people interested. In a way, Netflix has drastically changed the movie industry. I can't tell you how many times people have said to me, "I'll wait until it comes on Netflix". It's frustrating for me as an avid movie-goer because it doesn't make sense to me why someone wouldn't want to experience a movie on the big screen. It's a personal preference of mine to see the movie at the theater, but anything that can bring good media to someone is valid. So many people wouldn't have seen Roma if it wasn't for Netflix. In my opinion, Netflix films aren't any less quality than a regular film with theatrical release. Netflix has the means to back and produce these movies and make them still be able to hold up against other best picture nominees. Obviously a big budget doesn't make a good movie, but the budget for Roma was $15 million, which is in range of best picture winner Green Book at $23 million. In that sense Netflix movies are no less than a theatrical release movie.

Both sides bring their valid arguments, but what really is going to matter is the technical rules of Oscar contention. The rules state that any film "must have played in a LA county theater, for paid admission, for seven consecutive days" to be eligible. This is where the argument will begin to sway in Spielberg's favor. Most movies on Netflix do not have a theatrical release therefore declaring them ineligible for any feature film category. However, Roma was given a limited theatrical release that adhered to the guidelines. It was completely eligible at the Oscar's and that cannot be disputed by the Oscar board or Steven Spielberg. As far as I can tell, Spielberg will not get his way as long as these Netflix films stick to the rules.

Where do you stand on the issue? Leave a comment and let me know!

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