James Cameron Says Netflix Films Shouldn’t Compete for Oscars – Here’s Why
James Cameron has spoken out against Netflix competing for Oscars, saying the streamer’s approach to movies goes against what the awards should represent. In an interview with Matt Belloni on The Town, Cameron criticized Netflix’s strategy of prioritizing streaming over theatrical releases and expressed doubt about the company’s plans to buy Warner Bros.
Netflix has spent the last decade trying to win a Best Picture Oscar, and while it has come close, it has never won the top prize. The company’s goal is partly to legitimize its business model, which often minimizes or skips traditional theater releases. Cameron, known for his love of the big-screen experience, made it clear he sees Netflix’s approach as a threat to cinema.
“I think Paramount’s the best choice. Netflix would be a disaster. Sorry, Ted, but geez. Sarandos has gone on the record saying theatrical films are dead. ‘Theatrical is dead. Quote, unquote,’” Cameron said, referring to Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos.
Belloni pointed out that Netflix has promised more theatrical releases if it acquires Warner Bros. Cameron laughed off the idea and called it a tactic to qualify films for awards without truly supporting theaters. ž
“It’s sucker bait. ‘We’ll put the movie out for a week or 10 days. We’ll qualify for Oscar consideration.’ See, I think that’s fundamentally rotten to the core. A movie should be made as a movie for theatrical, and the Academy Awards mean nothing to me if they don’t mean theatrical. I think they’ve been co-opted, and I think it’s horrific,” he added.
When asked directly if Netflix films should be allowed to compete for Oscars, Cameron said they could only do so if they changed how they release movies. “They should be allowed to compete if they put the movie out for a meaningful release in 2,000 theaters for a month,” he said.
“Netflix buying Warner Bros would be a disaster.”
— The Ringer (@ringer) November 25, 2025
Listen to the full two-part conversation with James Cameron on The Town with @mattbelloni! pic.twitter.com/tLchu2OvI3
Cameron’s comments highlight a growing debate in Hollywood about the role of streaming platforms in awards season and the value of theatrical experiences. Some see his perspective as a defense of cinema, while others argue that the industry is evolving.
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