Netlfix no longer allowed to compete at Cannes Film Festival

[midian182]

Following an outcry over the decision to let two of its movies compete for the Palme d’Or last year, Netflix has been banned from the competing at the Cannes Film Festival. The streaming service’s refusal to release its films in theatres—barring the very rare simultaneous online and offline launches—is behind the decision.

Two Netflix titles—Bong Joon-ho’s Okja and Noah Baumbach’s The Meyerowitz Stories—were entered into Cannes last year despite criticism from French filmmakers, among others, who said their lack of theatrical runs in France meant they shouldn’t be able to compete. Netflix did try to obtain temporary permits for the movies to get one-week theatrical releases, but French media regulators prevented it and the pair couldn’t reach an agreement.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Cannes festival head Theirry Fremaux said: “Last year, when we selected these two films, I thought I could convince Netflix to release them in cinemas. I was presumptuous, they refused.”

“The Netflix people loved the red carpet and would like to be present with other films. But they understand that the intransigence of their own model is now the opposite of ours.”

While Netflix will be able to show its originals at Cannes, it won’t be able to enter the running for the Palme d’Or. It was implied that its films won’t be eligible for any of the festivals other awards, either. The new rules state that starting with this year’s event, films entering the competition will need to have a French theatrical release.

Cannes’ organizers aren’t the only ones who have a problem with Netflix’s movies. Steven Spielberg recently told the UK’s ITV news that they shouldn’t be eligible for Oscars, while The Dark Knight and Dunkirk director Christopher Nolan said the company has a “bizarre aversion” to supporting theater releases

“I think the investment that Netflix is putting into interesting filmmakers and interesting projects would be more admirable if it weren’t being used as some kind of bizarre leverage against shutting down theaters,” Nolan said last year. “It’s so pointless. I don’t really get it.”

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https://www.techspot.com/news/73870-netlfix-no-longer-allowed-compete-cannes-film-festival.html

 

[darkzelda]

That's a really retarded decision.

 

[Air Wayve]

That's a really retarded decision.

Absolutely amazing break down Darkzelda. Couldn't of said it better myself.

 

[BGrant]

Who cares about these dated fake awards?

 

[Uncle Al]

Is it in the rules that it has to be released in theater's? Considering their failings it's just a dumb decision. Film is film and they shouldn't be so judgmental!

 

[anisbet2171]

If they want to win awards they should make their own streaming award ceremony, in stead of entering Theatre awards ceremonies.

 

[kapital98]

Is it in the rules that it has to be released in theater's? Considering their failings it's just a dumb decision. Film is film and they shouldn't be so judgmental!

They shouldn't be so judgmental. This has nothing to do with the artistic quality of the movies. It's simply the industry (in particular, the cinemas) which are preventing Netflix from gaining prestigious awards.

As to the person who said who cares about 'fake' awards: These awards are critical in getting greater attention at larger prizes (like Golden Globes, Oscars, etc). All of these awards build a brand that Netflix wants as they shift more into exclusive content. It shows that they are just as good as any of the other production studios -- no small feat for a company that just a decade ago was streaming reruns and cable movies. It has a huge impact on the bottom line.

 

[Reehahs]

With the rate cinemas are going at, they will be history soon enough.

 

[treetops]

Really lack of theatrical releases being the reason? I thought they awarded movies on merit...

 

[Kashim]

Sounds like the theater czars are butthurt because Netflix won't let them collect some juicy profits from concessions and overpriced theater tickets these movies would attract.

 

[erickmendes]

Ok, so it's all about the industry, not about the art... Even on blockbusters like Avengers movies that's not so artistic but lets say artistic in other senses, I'm avoiding cinemas. I prefer to get them on Google Films.

I think they problem is the popcorn industry... Because going to cinema nowadays is more about attracting consumers to big shopping malls and making people spent money on soft drinks then about the movies.

 

[copasetic]

Someone's scared....(again). Change is coming, sooner or later, and there's nothing the MPAA (and associates) can do about it... Yes they SHOULD have their own festival. Youtube has awards...others do too...