Netflix: “We love cinema, but…”
March 4, 2019
Netflix has defended itself against a backlash to its Oscars run after many prominent names in the industry criticised its content being among the award nominess. The streaming service tweeted that they “love cinema” but feel it should be easier for people who can’t get to theatres to see films.
The Tweet in full read:
“We love cinema. Here are some things we also love:
-Access for people who can’t always afford, or live in towns without, theaters
-Letting everyone, everywhere enjoy releases at the same time
-Giving filmmakers more ways to share art
These things are not mutually exclusive.”
Legendary Hollywood director Steven Spielberg has been very vocal in his belief that movies on Netflix should not be eligible for Oscar contention. He has said that “TV films” should compete for Emmys, but not Academy Awards.
Spielberg said: “I hope all of us really continue to believe that the greatest contributions we can make as film-makers is to give audiences the motion picture theatrical experience. I’m a firm believer that movie theatres need to be around for ever … There’s nothing like going to a big, dark theatre with people you’ve never met before and having the experience wash over you. That’s something we all truly believe in.”
Joe Cortese, an Academy voter and an actor in the Oscar-nominated Green Book, also complained that Netflix was “trying to buy the Oscar”, saying he never seen so much paid-for-press for a nominee.
Netflix movie Roma was nominated for 10 awards, winning three – but missed out on the ‘Best Movie’ award that went to Green Book.