Spielberg faces backlash over proposal to block Netflix as future Oscar contender
STEVEN Spielberg faces a backlash over his proposal to block Netflix films from Academy Awards shortlists.
The ‘ Ready Player One’ filmmaker - who is a governor of the Academy’s directors branch - is planning to propose changes to eligibility rules, arguing that movies which debut on streaming services or just have a short theatrical run should qualify for the Emmys instead of the Oscars and hoped to garner support for the move.
A spokesperson for his company Amblin told IndieWire: “Steven feels strongly about the difference between the streaming and theatrical situation.
“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.”
However, the three-time Oscar winner may not get the backing he hoped for as the plan has already been criticised.
Ava DuVernay, who received a 2017 Oscar nomination for directing Netflix prison reform documentary ‘13th’ tweeted: “Dear Academy, this is a Board of Governors meeting. And regular branch members can’t be there. But I hope if this is true, that you’ll have filmmakers in the room or read statements from directors like me who feel differently.”
‘ Insecure’ actor Jean Elie hit out at the 72-year- old director.
He asked on Twitter: “Why would you want to stop others from shining/sharing the light?”
And ‘Army of Darkness’ actor Bruce Campbell not only criticised the plan, citing the success of “impressive” Netflix movie ‘ Roma’ - which scooped Best Foreign Language Film, Best Cinematography and Best Director for Alfonso Cuaron - as proof platforms are now “irrelevant”, he urged Spielberg to work with the streaming service too.
He posted: “Steven Spielberg is gunning to make sure Netflix never has another Oscars contender like ‘ Roma’. Sorry, Mr. Spielberg, ‘ Roma’ ain’t no TV movie - it’s as impressive as anything out there. Platforms have become irrelevant. Make a movie with Netflix.(sic)” — BANG Showbiz