Spielberg Doesn’t Think Netflix Films should be Included in the Oscars

Steven Spielberg. Photo by James Gourley/REX/Shutterstock (9470680q)

Steven Spielberg is laying down the gauntlet.

The veteran director has 59 credits under his belt, as well as 3 Oscars, dozens of nominations, and countless other awards to his name. You could say he has some idea of the industry.

And now, the 71-year-old is weighing in on a rather controversial topic — Netflix films. Original films distributed by the network have been popping up on the awards scene, with Mudbound earning 4 nominations at the 2018 Academy Awards, and Icarus winning Best Documentary Feature.

Many have questioned whether such films — which did not have traditional theatrical releases — deserve to be recognised amongst those who do. And it appears as though Spielberg is in the “negative” camp.

“Once you commit to a television format, you’re a TV movie,” says the director of Ready Player One. “You certainly, if it’s a good show, deserve an Emmy, but not an Oscar. I don’t believe films that are just given token qualifications in a couple of theatres for less than a week should qualify for the Academy Award nomination.”

Sounds like when it comes to Netflix, good ol’ Steven is without the chill…