James Cameron: Netflix films shouldn’t compete for Oscars

James Cameron says Netflix films shouldn’t be eligible for Oscars

James Cameron has weighed in on the ongoing debate over streaming platforms and awards, arguing that Netflix films should not be eligible for Oscars unless they receive a substantial theatrical release.

In a recent interview with The Town’s Matt Belloni, the Avatar director emphasized that the Academy Awards should honor films designed for the big screen.

“I think a movie should be made as a movie for theatrical, and the Academy Awards mean nothing to me if they don’t mean theatrical,” Cameron said.

He added that Netflix films should only be considered if shown in at least 2,000 theaters for a month.

Cameron also addressed Netflix’s reported interest in acquiring Warner Bros., suggesting promises of limited theater runs are just “sucker bait.”

He criticized the platform for prioritizing streaming over cinema, noting that brief theatrical releases designed only to meet Oscar eligibility diminish the value of both films and awards.

Netflix has long pursued Oscars with high-profile titles like Roma, The Irishman, and The Power of the Dog, often releasing them on a handful of screens before moving them online.

Cameron’s remarks highlight a broader clash between traditional theatrical filmmaking and the growing influence of streaming services in the awards circuit.