Netflix rebuttals Spielberg’s controversial comments, emphasising the impact it’s had on film

Steven Spielberg still isn’t happy with Netflix taking home 3 Oscars, announcing his new attempts to block the streaming giant from participating in future Academy Awards ceremonies.  Firing back at the director’s controversial comments, Netflix has been sure to remind everyone just how much the platform has revolutionised the way in which viewers consume content.

Unable to partake in previous events due to the lack of a theatrical release, Netflix conformed to the rules of the Oscars by releasing a selection of its films for a limited time in cinemas. Oscar darling Roma managed to garner 10 nominations as a result, taking home Best Director and Best Cinematography for Alfonso Cuarón’s work, and Best Foreign Language Film at the 91^st Academy Awards.

As the Academy Governor of the director’s branch, Spielberg is still unhappy with Netflix’s involvement in the Oscars due to the “difference between the streaming and theatrical situation,” according to Indiewire. “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.”

It isn’t certain what these plans will be, however last year’s comments to ITV News suggest that it will relegate Netflix to the Emmy Awards for its likeness to TV Movies. Spielberg’s stance on the matter has sparked a debate and a significant portion of criticism towards the director for not updating his views with the changing of times.

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.

— Netflix Film (@NetflixFilm) March 4, 2019

Without naming Spielberg or highlighting his comments as the catalyst, Netflix itself had something to say on the matter as it shared how it helps the film industry rather than hinders. “We love cinema. Here are some things we also love: Access for people who can't always afford, or live in towns without theatres, letting everyone, everywhere enjoy releases at the same time, and giving filmmakers more ways to share art. These things are not mutually exclusive.”

KitGuru Says: While Netflix is undoubtedly home content, it’s easy to see that the platform plugs the gap in production quality between an A-list theatrical release and a B-list television movie. I personally cannot see why filmmakers wouldn’t embrace the new system, should it continue to uphold the quality and standard required to be honoured. Where do you land on the debate?

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