Oscars rules: Department of Justice 'defends Netflix against proposed Academy changes' to keep it from awards race
DOJ has reportedly warned the Academy that new rules could violate antitrust regulations
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Department of Justice has reportedly issued a warning against possible rule changes that could keep Netflix out of the Oscars race.
According to Variety, the DOJ has expressed concerns in a letter to the CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, stating that the potential new rules could violate antitrust regulations.
“In the event that the Academy – an association that includes multiple competitors in its membership — establishes certain eligibility requirements for the Oscars that eliminate competition without pro-competitive justification, such conduct may raise antitrust concerns,” the letter states as quoted by the website.
It was reported last month that Steven Spielberg, a member of the Academy, was among people looking to push for changes to eligibility rules to keep films released on streaming platforms from being included in the Academy Awards race.
The DOJ missive doesn’t appear to cite Netflix by name but specifically refers to streaming services, reading in part: “If the Academy adopts a new rule to exclude certain types of films, such as films distributed via online streaming services, from eligibility for the Oscars, and that exclusion tends to diminish the excluded films’ sales, that rule could therefore violate Section 1 [of the Sherman Act on antitrust law].”
Spielberg’s reported desire to bring about changes in eligibility rules came after Netflix scored several successes in the 2019 Oscars ceremony, with Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma taking Best Director, Best Foreign Language Film and Best Cinematography.
Last month, a spokesperson for Spielberg’s production company told IndieWire: “Steven feels strongly about the difference between the streaming and theatrical situation.
“He’ll be happy if the others will join [his campaign] when that comes up. He will see what happens.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments