Netflix Hits Back At Hollywood Critics
Over the last few years, the popular home streaming service Netflix has been working hard to create a wide range of ‘home-grown’ products. This includes both fantastic films and TV series. There has, however, been much criticism levelled at the streaming service by Hollywood. Specifically, the feeling (supported by many prominent members) that any film produced by the company should be excluded from awards. Specifically, because they don’t (or at least rarely) see a cinematic release.
Last year, for example, Netflix withdrew from the Cannes film festival after people such as Steven Spielberg criticised their participation.
Despite Netflix winning 3 Oscars at last weeks event, however, this hasn’t stopped the criticism over their inclusion continuing. The company has, however, decided to hit back in why they feel they are a perfectly valid medium for film entertainment.
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
In the Twitter post above, you can see that Netflix has cited many good reasons why they believe their platform is valid. In fairness, regardless of whether you support them or not (or perhaps more accurately have a subscription) they’re points that are hard to argue against.
It is believed that the comments have been made after the Oscars organisation are reportedly set to ‘discuss’ the inclusion of films by online platforms, a move undoubtedly backed by what many would consider the ‘Hollywood elite’. Personally, I have no problem with Netflix being at the Oscars. In fact, I hope the upcoming release of ‘The Irishman’ mops the floors with the event next year.
What do you think? Why do some people have a problem with this? Do you have a problem with Netflix at the Oscars? – Let us know in the comments!
Oscars eligibility is based on the movie showing in theatres in Los Angeles County, and, not only that, but digital movies must be in a very specific format. It specifically excludes TV and DVD releases if they’re not first shown in theatres.
So while the criteria are somewhat limited to begin with, it would be reasonable to exclude Netflix movies if they’re not shown first in theatres (in Los Angeles County).
I think that it would be fine to change the rules of eligibility, but I also think that if up to this point people have been fine with the highly exclusive nature of the reward, there’s no particular reason to change them for Netflix’s sake, and that Netflix can comply with the rules without too much trouble by buying a theatre in LA County and showing its movies there at the same time as they are released on the service.
Or is that the problem? I haven’t been following this (frankly, I don’t care), but has Netflix done exactly that, had limited screening in LA County to be eligible, and people aren’t happy with it?
If so, I’m kind of with those who are unhappy.
Netflix did attempt, at the Cannes festival, to do a limited cinematic screening (I think it was from Bird Box) to try and circumvent the requirements. Albeit, many felt the requirements were only made to exclude Netflix.
It’s ridiculous to say that the requirements were made to exclude Netflix. I’m sure they were this way long before Netflix arrived on the scene, in order to exclude TV and, later, direct to DVD movies. But I’d imagine that the ‘LA County’ clause was there from the start, to signify that Hollywood is the centre of the movie world.
Attempting to circumvent the requirements with a limited screening at the Cannes festival seems rather silly, considering that Cannes isn’t part of LA County.