Netflix has shared an impassioned statement in response to the ongoing discussions about whether its original content should be allowed to compete in film awards like the Oscars.
This year, Netflix received its first ever Best Picture nomination for Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma, which took home three Oscars at the Academy Awards last month.
However, not everyone in the film world is happy about the streaming platform being recognised by the Film Academy, with film director and Academy member Steven Spielberg reportedly displeased.
According to industry publications, Spielberg is holding a meeting where he will put forward a rule change that would stop services like Netflix having their work recognised by the Academy.
Netflix has now defended their work, in a tweet posted on the Netflix Film account on Monday morning.
They said: “We love cinema. Here are some things we also love...
“Access for people who can’t always afford, or live in towns without, theaters… letting everyone, everywhere enjoy releases at the same time… giving filmmakers more ways to share art.”
They added: “These things are not mutually exclusive.”
Last week, Netflix also shared a video featuring Orange Is The New Black actress Uzo Aduba, which praised the way they have been able to increase representation of minorities in both their TV shows and films.
Roma was among the top nominees at the Oscars last month, landing 10 nods overall, including Best Actress for its leading star Yalitza Aparicio.
Also nominated at this year’s Academy Awards was Netflix western The Ballad Of Buster Scruggs and Best Documentary Short Subject winner Period. End Of Sentence.
Upcoming films on the streaming platform include Ava Duvernay’s When They See Us and The Irishman, a new film from eight-time Academy Award nominee Martin Scorsese.