Steven Spielberg's Heated Issues with Netflix Grow Stronger

Following up on a previous news story, Steven Spielberg's growing beef and concerns with Netflix continue. 

It's no secret that the uber-popular filmmaker has long had issues with the streaming service's model to break (or at the very least, disrupt) mainstream theatrical exhibition. That has only grown with the success of the distributor's foreign language title, Roma, that went on to win three Academy Awards last Sunday night.

Roma had a minimal (but ultimately, awards-qualifying) theatrical run that scared traditional distributors about the future of their industry. Spielberg held concern for the future of moviegoing.

Should Netflix films be eligible for Academy Awards or Emmys? Both? Is a Netflix production a product of television or a product of cinema? Unfortunately, it stands as a product either way.

Now the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) will listen to Mr. Spielberg's concerns. "Awards rules discussions are ongoing with the branches," the Academy has announced, "and the Board will likely consider the topic at the April meeting.”

As first reported by Indiewire, a spokesperson for Amblin Entertainment said, “Steven feels strongly about the difference between the streaming and theatrical situation. 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.”

What will ultimately be the straw that breaks the camel's back? More to come this spring.