James Cameron argues that Netflix films shouldn’t be eligible for the Academy Awards in response to their recent growth in popularity. Aliens, Titanic, and the Avatar films—of which Avatar: Fire and Ash will be released on December 19—are just a few of Cameron’s enormous blockbusters and breathtaking visual achievements, closely linked to the theater experience.
With All Quiet on the Western Front, The Power of the Dog, Marriage Story, and Roma among its Best Picture nominees, Netflix has been a significant force at the Oscars for several years. In particular, the streamer has recently emerged as the “villain” of the Oscars, with 2023’s Maestro viewed as blatant Oscar bait and 2024’s Emilia Pérez sparking significant outcry.
The three main contenders for Netflix’s Best Picture play for 2026—Frankenstein, A House of Dynamite, and Jay Kelly—are all tricky films in their own way, and none is a sure bet to receive a nomination, making the competition challenging. Frankenstein appears to be getting closer to a spot, though, and Netflix will receive at least one, if not several, Best Picture nominations.
Cameron slams Netflix as he is ready to premiere his next major motion picture. Cameron criticized Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos’ approach in a recent interview with The Ringer’s podcast The Town with Matthew Belloni, stating: “We’ll put the movie out for a week, we’ll put it out for 10 days; we’ll qualify for Academy Awards consideration. See, I think that’s fundamentally rotten at the core.”
Netflix emphasizes its streaming service, but for certain films to be eligible, they must first be released in a few theaters for two weeks. “The Academy Awards, to me, mean nothing if they don’t mean theatrical,” Cameron goes on. “They should be allowed to compete if they put the movie out for a meaningful release in 2000 theaters for a month.”
Cameron immediately got into the argument during the interview when it became apparent that Netflix was making a serious attempt to acquire Warner Bros. According to World of Reel, he strongly stated, “I think Paramount’s the best choice. Netflix would be a disaster.”
