Netflix movies are still eligible to win Oscars, even though some entertainment industry members did not want the streaming service to be considered for the annual Academy Awards.
This week, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences voted to leave a key eligbility rule unchanged, CNBC reported. The Academy’s board said films from streaming platforms, such as Amazon Prime and Netflix, will still be allowed to win Oscars. According to the rule, any movie can be considered for an Oscar, as long as they have a minimum week-long theatrical run at a Los Angeles theater.
“We support the theatrical experience as integral to the art of motion pictures, and this weighed heavily in our discussions. Our rules currently require theatrical exhibition, and also allow for a broad selection of films to be submitted for Oscars consideration,” John Bailey, the Academy’s president, said in a press release on Tuesday. “We plan to further study the profound changes occurring in our industry and continue discussions with our members about these issues.”
Netflix’s presence at the 91st Academy Awards generated some backlash over the streaming service being eligible for Oscars. Roma, one of Netflix’s movies, earned a nomination for “Best Picture,” and ended up walking away with many Oscars, including “Best Director,” “Best Foreign Language Film,” and “Best Cinematography.”
Even though Green Book won “Best Picture,” Steven Spielberg reportedly wanted the Academy’s board to update its eligibility rules, so Netflix would be booted out of the nominee pool for Oscars. However, this wouldn’t be so easy to do: Earlier this month, DOJ Antitrust Division Chief Makan Delrahim warned the Academy that banning streaming services from the Oscars could elevate antitrust concerns and violate competition law.
For more updates on the Academy’s eligibility rules, visit its website here.