MovieChat Forums > Beasts of No Nation (2015) Discussion > So...This is a flim made for Netflix

So...This is a flim made for Netflix

posted 9 years ago by darogr
3 replies | jump to latest

given a very limited release in theaters for the sole purpose of qualifying it for the Academy Awards...is that correct?

If so, could it be the reason for the Oscar snub is resentment over that manipulation (this being the first time that method is used), rather than racism?

I'm sure if the Academy members could go back in time, they would have nominated Elba to avoid the allegations of racism, but I honestly don't believe the snub was racism, more resentment and confusion.

[–] danny_b_va 9 years ago

That is what I think happened.

Droid please.

[–] Prismark10 9 years ago

I doubt it.

In the UK, Channel 4 and BBC Films have been making movies for cinema release for years. A lot of them get a short cinema release, mainly through art house cinemas so they can get awards consideration and then shown on tv.

Netflix is following that model.

It's that man again!!

[–] killerparties 9 years ago

It's certainly possible, but if so, I'd say it's still a sign the Academy is not keeping up with the direction the film industry is going.

Beasts of No Nation was not actually made *for* Netflix. It was made the same way many independent films are made, then Netflix picked it up for distribution.

I don't think manipulation is the right word, though. It seems no less manipulative than releasing a film in the very last week of the year so it qualifies for that year's Oscars. It's a release strategy and it's not really that new -- plenty of films that seemingly go straight to VOD services actually had limited theatrical runs in L.A. so they're eligible just in case they pick up any Oscar traction.

Beasts of No Nation certainly suffered by having a simultaneous theatrical and online release, as a number of theater chains boycotted it.

Netflix has also gotten Oscar nominations before for its documentaries The Square and Virunga.

The release strategy didn't seem to bother other awards bodies, like BAFTA, the Screen Actors Guild, or the Independent Spirit Awards. If Academy members did skip the film on these grounds, its not a particularly good reason on their part.