Steven Spielberg — legendary filmmaker, titan of the industry and Netflix-hater — is once again coming out against streaming services and the movies they produce. A spokesperson for Spielberg’s production company, Amblin Entertainment, reportedly told IndieWire that Spielberg wants to change Academy rules so movies produced by streaming services can’t be nominated for Oscars in the future.
“Steven feels strongly about the difference between the streaming and theatrical situation,” the spokesperson said. “He’ll be happy if the others will join [his campaign] when that comes up [at the Academy Board of Governors meeting]. He will see what happens.”
As the Academy Governor representing the directors branch, Spielberg has quite a bit of power when it comes to shaping Academy policy and rules. When IndieWire reached out, the organization said they will “likely consider the topic” at their annual April post-Oscars meeting.
Spielberg has been outspoken about his preference for the cinema and the total experience of viewing a film in a theatre environment. Ahead of the Oscars this year, he indirectly called out the involvement of streaming services in film awards while accepting the Cinema Audio Society Filmmaker Award.
“I’m a firm believer that movie theaters need to be around forever,” he said. “I love television. I love the opportunity. Some of the greatest writing being done today is for television, some of the best directing for television, some of the best performances [are] on television today. The sound is better in homes more than it ever has been in history but 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.”
Yes, seeing a film is a cool and unique experience, but online, people were put off by the elitism in Spielberg’s point of view, especially when you consider marginalized filmmakers.
One of the things I value about Netflix is that it distributes black work far/wide. 190 countries will get WHEN THEY SEE US. Here’s a promo for South Africa. I’ve had just one film distributed wide internationally. Not SELMA. Not WRINKLE. It was 13TH. By Netflix. That matters. https://t.co/lpn1FFSfgG
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) March 3, 2019
Interesting how Spielberg can’t see what a democratizing tool Netflix has the potential to be for marginalized filmmakers. https://t.co/dpJQu4O4hN
— Preeti Chhibber (@runwithskizzers) March 2, 2019
It’s possible that Steven Spielberg doesn’t know how difficult it is to get movies made in the legacy system as a woman or a person of color.
In his extraordinary career, he hasn’t exactly produced or executive produced many films directed by them. https://t.co/i88BrApzR8
— Franklin Leonard (@franklinleonard) March 2, 2019
It isn’t even about Netflix, though they’re the most visible and least sympathetic target. It’s about every other film and filmmaker who will struggle to get access to the resources necessary to make a film but not get those allowing for a four week exclusive theatrical release. https://t.co/qW4uwbaQ2j
— Franklin Leonard (@franklinleonard) March 2, 2019
If we’re gonna keep goalposting this argument, there better be MULTIPLE doors opening for filmmakers, writers, performers, and below the line talent who aren’t cis straight white men.
— kylie sparks 🖤🥂⚾️ (@kyliesparks) March 2, 2019
This happened in the early ’80s with VHS — all of a sudden consumers could watch their movies whenever they wanted! *GASP!* And it happened in the ’50s with TV — all of a sudden viewers didn’t have to go to theaters! *GASP!* /2
— Dante A. Ciampaglia (@daciampaglia) March 2, 2019
Some people pointed out that one of Spielberg’s beefs with Netflix is that he wants all production companies to play by the same rules. While Netflix’s Roma technically met the Academy criteria of having at least a one-week commercial release in Los Angeles County theatres, Spielberg seems to feel the company has cheated its way into awards season in some way. IndieWire theorizes that in addition to the limited release, it could be Netflix’s seemingly unlimited production and awards lobbying budgets that are rubbing the director the wrong way.
Others online acknowledged that while Spielberg’s arguments seem out of touch with how your average person is consuming content, he’s got a point about everyone playing by the rules.
Part of Spielberg’s argument is that Netflix should play by the same rules as every other Oscar nominee, and I do think that’s fair. I have no fealty to Netflix. I just wish he’d move beyond this “sacred theatrical experience” riff, which is mostly a myth at this point.
— Chris Evangelista (@cevangelista413) March 2, 2019
So since I’m not a fan of gatekeeping of any kind perhaps the answer is some kind of campaign finance reform as it pertains awards season. Rather than dictating which movies belong.
Netflix isn’t some scrappy underdog…but I do want all voices to have a place at the table.
— Joanna Robinson (@jowrotethis) March 2, 2019
I think it’s possible to hold two thoughts in your head and to believe that both movie theaters are an important part of cinema and that the industry is changing. 1/3
— Catherine Haight (@catehaight) March 2, 2019
They also spent $50 million promoting ROMA in order to try to win an Oscar, making it next to impossible for smaller distributors to even compete. I don’t have the answer, but I do think there’s a legitimate conversation to have here. 3/3
— Catherine Haight (@catehaight) March 2, 2019
Netflix responded to Spielberg’s argument indirectly on Twitter Sunday night with a post highlighting the accessibility issue in particular.
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 Film (@NetflixFilm) March 4, 2019
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