Netflix has provided us the chance to watch a variety of television shows and films in the comfort of our own homes. Saving time and money, we have been graced with some solid films with a number of them garnering some considerable attention from the masses and even awards ceremonies. Alfonso Cuaron’s Roma is a prime example there, earning ten nominations at the Oscars including Best Picture. Seems like other big players in the industry are following suit with the legend himself Martin Scorsese releasing his upcoming The Irishman on the streaming service. However, despite support from various filmmakers, it looks like some big names aren’t really big on recognizing Netflix at the Oscars.
Steven Spielberg, known for practically giving birth to the modern day blockbusters through the likes of films like Jaws and E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial has opposed the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognition of films from streaming services like Netflix at the ceremony. Spielberg contends that those films should only be considered as made-for-TV films and should only qualify for TV award ceremonies like the Emmys. Check out the interview on ITV News below:
Spielberg does recognize the merit of television today highlighting the quality of its content but damn Steve! Cuaron, who also directed films like Gravity and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban has stood on the defense of the streaming service highlighting how it provides a more diverse way of releasing films. Netflix obviously feels the same way taking to Twitter to share their thoughts on the matter. Check out the tweet below:
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 artThese things are not mutually exclusive.
— Netflix Tudum (@NetflixTudum) March 4, 2019
Spielberg may be one of the most influential filmmakers of all time but maybe the old geezer should get with the times cause his words seem pretty f–king elitist. I’m sorry Mr. Spielberg but we’re not all billionaires who can afford to spend gas money for a forty-minute drive to the only film theatre in the city that’s playing Can You Ever Forgive Me? Oh! and we can’t all spend 15 bucks on a ticket whenever an interesting film is out. And on top of that, parking!
I do recognize the magic of going to the theatre and watching a film. There really is nothing like it but it’s safe to say that if you want more people to consume and appreciate different forms of cinema, you gotta allow for a more varied means of consumption. Maybe Spielberg just needs to get with the times cause it looks like Netflix won’t be stopping anytime soon. We would likely be seeing a slight shift in the way films are being consumed but is that really a bad thing? Hell, better a paid streaming service than Torrent right?
