Netflix is a huge deal in Hollywood. Everyone knows that. They have changed how we watch movies and TV shows. But there is one thing that has eluded them so far: the Best Picture Oscar. Netflix has been nominated before they have made some amazing films but that top prize still remains out of reach. Why is that and what does Netflix think about it? Let's find out.
Netflix's Oscar Goal: CEO Ted Sarandos on the Company's Best Picture Ambitions and Challenges
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos recently opened up about a lot of things in an interview including the Oscars and that Best Picture trophy. He was asked directly if he was disappointed that Netflix has not yet won Best Picture despite multiple nominations over the years. His answer was pretty interesting. Sarandos said it is hard for him to say if the Academy Awards voters have something "out" for Netflix considering they have been the most-nominated studio for the last three years. That is a solid point.
He does admit though that winning Best Picture is not just about nominations. Sarandos gets that there is a difference between respect and love. The Academy nominates movies they respect and admire but they vote for Best Picture for the movie they truly love. Netflix he says just has to make a movie that people truly love to win that top Oscar.
He was asked specifically about Emilia Pérez a Netflix film that got a lot of nominations. Some thought it could have been a Best Picture contender but it faced some controversy. Sarandos was asked if he thought Emilia Pérez might have won Best Picture if it wasn't for the controversy. He understandably did not want to dwell on "what-ifs". He acknowledged Emilia Pérez was considered a frontrunner but winning Best Picture is never a sure thing for any movie. He called it a "great movie" with a "great campaign" and said he was "bummed" about the "what-ifs".
Netflix vs. Traditional Hollywood: Streaming Disruptors and the Quest for Industry's Top Prize
It is no secret that Netflix has shaken up the movie industry. They came in disrupted old ways of doing things and became a streaming giant. Some in Hollywood see them as outsiders or even as a threat. Could this be affecting Netflix's chances at winning Best Picture? It is possible. Sarandos himself talked about the resentment some feel towards Netflix. The fact that Netflix has not won Best Picture yet even with several attempts suggests that this resentment might still be around within the Academy.
However Sarandos seems to take it all in stride. He even says he "relishes the chatter" and sees the long game. Netflix's strategy is to build a massive streaming library full of buzzy content and he believes that will ultimately win out. He sounds confident that eventually Netflix will break through and take home that Best Picture Oscar.
Netflix's 2025 Oscar Hopefuls? Sarandos Teases Big Film Slate Including Del Toro and Baumbach
So what kind of movies is Netflix making to try and win Best Picture ? Sarandos hinted at some of their upcoming film slate for 2025 and it sounds impressive. He mentioned films from Guillermo del Toro a director known for visually stunning and critically acclaimed movies. He also mentioned Noah Baumbach another respected filmmaker known for character-driven stories. And of course there is a new Knives Out movie coming. That franchise is already popular with audiences and critics.
Netflix is clearly investing in high-quality films from established directors. They are aiming to make movies that are not just popular but also artistically respected. This seems to be their strategy to finally break through and win that elusive Best Picture Oscar. Will 2025 be the year Netflix finally takes home the top prize? We will have to wait and see.
Beyond Best Picture: Netflix's Broader Hollywood Ambitions and Content Strategy
While Best Picture is a big goal for Netflix it is just one aspect of their overall Hollywood strategy. Sarandos in the interview talks about Netflix being a company with "one foot firmly in Hollywood and one foot in Silicon Valley." They are not just a streaming service they are a tech company too and they are always innovating.
Netflix is diversifying beyond just movies and TV shows. They are getting into gaming live events and even e-commerce. They want to be more than just a place to watch content they want to be a part of their fans' lives in different ways. This includes things like Meghan Markle's lifestyle brand "As Ever" where Netflix is a passive partner. Sarandos sees this as a "discovery model" and a way to build fan engagement beyond just streaming content.
Key Takeaways: Netflix CEO on Best Picture and the Future of Streaming
- Best Picture Goal: Netflix is still aiming to win a Best Picture Oscar and believes they need to make a movie that audiences truly "love".
- Hollywood Disruption: Netflix acknowledges some resentment from traditional Hollywood but sees it as part of the process of industry change.
- 2025 Film Slate: Netflix has a strong film lineup for 2025 with movies from Guillermo del Toro Noah Baumbach and a new Knives Out film targeting Oscar recognition.
- Beyond Streaming: Netflix is diversifying into gaming live events and e-commerce to expand their reach and fan engagement.
- Meghan Markle Bet: Netflix sees Meghan Markle as "underestimated" and believes her influence is a valuable asset for branding and marketing.
Will Netflix Ever Win Best Picture? The Streaming Giant's Oscar Journey Continues
Netflix's quest for a Best Picture Oscar is an ongoing story. They are clearly determined to get there and they are investing heavily in both content and strategy. Whether 2025 will be their year remains to be seen but one thing is certain: Netflix is not going anywhere and they will keep pushing to be a major force in Hollywood and at the Academy Awards. The streaming wars are far from over and Netflix is ready for the fight and maybe finally that win.