If you have ever wondered why the amazing movies produced by Netflix are never in Oscar contention, then you might be surprised to learn that this is because of the fierce bias theatre owners have against non-theatre movies.
This bias failed to affect the 2019 Oscars as Netflix’s “Roma” received nominations in 10 categories including Best Director, Best Cinematographer and Best Foreign-language Film. The Alfonso Cuaron-directed flick went on to win the three aforementioned categories.
This win has caused the movie streaming company to come under fire from theatre owners, particularly those in Europe.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, President of Art House Cinema Association CICAE, Detlef Rossman said: “We consider giving three awards to Roma a devaluation of the Oscars, because Roma wasn’t visible in most cinemas worldwide. The Oscars have become another version of the Emmys, honoring television productions.”
In a sentiment shared by groups of exhibitors across Europe, CICAE called on the body in charge of the Oscars, Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, to “redefine the Oscar nomination rules and terms to clarify the difference between film and television”.
Netflix has worked tirelessly to ensure that their movie efforts are recognised by the Academy, pouring serious money and energy into a campaign to push Roma into Oscar eligibility.
This was noted by Francois Ayme, president of France’s art house cinema association, in a statement in which she said that Netflix spent an astronomical sum to promote “Roma” to the Academy.
She argued that the money they had spent, which was more than the cost of the film, would have been better spent promoting a proper theatrical release for a Cuaron production.
On the other hand, Jason Chae, CEO of South Korean indie distributor Mirovision, had no issues with Netflix’s win saying that the streaming platform they provide fills a market gap where producers can host their movies and reach an audience as well make some money
