In a surprising move, Netflix, the streaming giant known for occasionally releasing films in theaters to be eligible for awards, has now decided to completely close the door on cinemas. This marks a significant shift in the company’s approach, and it comes shortly after the departure of Scott Stuber, who had been at the helm of Netflix’s film department for years.
Scott Stuber’s Departure Signals Changes
Stuber’s exit from the company hinted at a new era, revealing plans to reduce the overall number of films and shift towards smaller budget productions. However, the latest announcement from Netflix management indicates that the changes won’t be limited to film quantity alone. It appears that the company is severing ties with cinemas altogether.
A Strategic Shift in Hollywood
In its early years in the original content space, Netflix aimed to establish itself in Hollywood by venturing into more prestigious projects. This ambition led them to compromise on certain principles, including the decision to showcase some of their films in theaters, especially during award seasons. Nevertheless, it seems that this compromise is now a thing of the past.
Netflix’s 2024 Program Signals Withdrawal from the Award Race
Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s Head of Content, confirmed that they will no longer screen films in theaters. Defending this decision, Bajaria stated, “Our users love watching films, and they want to watch them on Netflix.” She pointed out that some competitors, like Amazon and Apple, choose to release films in theaters, but Netflix’s sole focus will be on digital platforms.
“We’re the only real pure-play streamer and our members love films and they want to see films on Netflix. I think a lot of companies and business do theatrical and it’s a great business for them. It’s just not our business.
Our business is to make sure that members come to Netflix, they’re in the mood for a movie and they get that movie that they want to see and that is always going to be the focus for us: Making great movies for Netflix that members want to see.” -Bela Bajaria
The 2024 program recently unveiled by Netflix aligns with Bajaria’s statements. Unlike previous years, there are no films in this year’s lineup that could potentially make a mark during the award season in the fall. Notable Netflix productions like “The Irishman,” “Marriage Story,” and “Roma” won’t have counterparts with similar profiles in this year’s program.
Embracing the Digital Frontier
This strategic move by Netflix signifies a commitment to the digital frontier. As other streaming services continue to blend theatrical releases with digital streaming, Netflix is boldly choosing to prioritize its online platform. Whether this decision will impact the streaming giant’s standing in the competitive world of awards remains to be seen, but one thing is clear – Netflix is embracing the digital future with unwavering confidence.
Last modified: February 4, 2024
