Got a missive from reader "Laura" who asked:
Ken, can you please give your opinion on what Steven Spielberg said regarding Netflix movies, that they don't deserve Oscars.
Thanks.
Here's the article.
The key point Steven makes is that Netflix movies are TV movies (or iPhone movies). They're not theatrical films. The Academy has some rule where a movie has to play in a theater for one week in Los Angeles and New York to be eligible for Oscars. So what studios do is run them for one week the end of the year, often times in only one theater. That way they're eligible for the next ceremony and the studios can then release the pictures wide a few months later.
But streaming services like Netflix and Amazon are doing the same thing. Except they have no plans to release their films theatrically after the one week window for eligibility purposes.
And like Steven said (notice I call him by his first name as if we're close?), if they're great movies they should win Emmys. But it's distorting the intent of the Motion Picture Academy.
The fate of the Oscars is up for grabs as new delivery systems pop up. Same goes for the Emmys -- worse for the Emmys because there's some question as to whether streaming services should even be considered "television." Personally, I feel if a show is meant to be seen on your television screen then it's a television show. So what if it's from Netflix or Facebook or Apple?
But that's a different experience than seeing a movie at a theater. Forget that it's often better. It's different. And if idiots aren't texting next to you or talking or bringing their newborns it can be a thrilling experience depending on the film. You just don't get the scope of the AVENGERS on your smart phone. (Maybe ANT MAN works on the small screen but other superhero movies need a larger canvass).
Also, if you don't subscribe to Neflix you can't see their movies. Films distributed in theaters presumably are available throughout the country (although certain art films are hard to find in Panama City). The Oscars are crying about their hemorrhaging audience numbers. It's bad enough most people don't see the nominated films, when most people CAN'T see the nominated films then ratings are going to sink to MURPHY BROWN levels.
Listen to Steven Spielberg. Uphold the integrity of your awards. Don't let films made for YouTube qualify for Academy Awards. Don't even make eligible the Netflix documentary ON Steven Spielberg.
And Stevie, my brother, if you're reading this, sure I'd like to go out to lunch with you.
from By Ken Levine
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