According to a report in IndieWire, legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg is planning to put up a fight against streaming movies being eligible for the Academy Awards. At the next Academy Board of Governors meeting, he is expected to share his concerns and possibly recommend that Netflix films only be eligible for the Emmy Awards, rather than the Oscars (which he has spoken about in the past).
Today, Netflix hit back on Twitter, with thoughts of their own on the topic: “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.”
Last week, Netflix picked up four Academy Award wins — Three for Roma (Cinematography, Foreign Language Film, and Director) and one for Period. End of Sentence (Documentary Short). The former which is Written, Directed, and Produced by Alfonso Cuarón earned 10 nominations including Best Picture, but the film fell short with Green Book taking home the Best Picture award.
It has been rumored that Netflix spent almost $50MM on their Oscar campaign for Roma. The service will be releasing The Irishman by Martin Scorsese starring Robert De Niro, Jose Pesci, Al Pacino, and a supporting cast of Harvey Keitel, Anna Paquin, Bobby Cannavale, and Ray Romano. The film is already earning Oscar buzz, which will keep this controversy relevant through the next awards season. While it will appear in select theaters, the film will be released directly on Netflix this fall.