Obviously being Mexican, I love the idea that a film from my country is with 10 academy awards nominations. And I must say that it deserves them. Especially for the work done by Alfonso Cuarón. But I do not make this publication for this, because much has been said about the film and its virtues, and yes, it deserves them all. So, what do I come to talk about? Well, the future of the awards and his plan to raise the audience rating.
Yes. We all know that the "Academy Awards" go through a decline in ratings that has only been decreasing year after year. And yes, despite their attempts to attract young talent and be politically correct, they have not been very helpful. And that is why they must change their way of seeing the world and they are doing it. But being the academy, they will not do it without guarantees.
A year ago before the low audience was announced that there would be a new prize "The most popular movie", which caused much controversy and seen as a cheap way to save themself and attract more audience. And yes, it was, but it was only the beginning.
The easiest way to attract the current (and especially young) audience is to involve them. Well otherwise they get bored seeing millionaire and successful guys rewarding themselves. And believe me, a simple nomination will not make much difference and the academy knows it. That's why Netflix came in.
First of all they should know that the nominated films do not achieve a very high commercial success, yes, they are not box office failures but it is very rare that they have a very high profit range. Usually they are made with a high artistic content that critics love but bored many other people. Again, this does not always happen. For that reason, the producers take risks with these films, expecting only the glory and the status that this award gives them to win it. And given this knowledge, the distributors (who are responsible for promoting and putting the film in movie theaters), struggle to get to each festival and often not to the general public. So they lose money. And nothing displeases the producers more than that.
And then, knowing all this: What would the academy do? And, if there was a distribution form that would reach everyone? Both the audience in general and critics, and distributors and producers did not lose money to be confined to certain places and times. If only there was something like that. But wait a moment, there is and for a long time. Netflix thanks for existing.
Yes. Imagine that all Academy-nominated films were already in the Netflix catalog. Right down to the romantic comedies and the series of the moment. With your own label and footer that would tell you their nominations. Would not you see them? I know that I do, and I imagine many other people too, attracted by those approvals that Netflix brings us and the curiosity of disagreeing with strangers. And if you like them, and if you have seen the performances, and if you already have a favorite and agree with the nominations, then ... Would you see the delivery of the Academy Awards?
It should be noted that all this is a hypothesis, of course mine. Even so the academy is very traditional and will not do anything without being complete sure. Netflix has already launched its strongest card "Rome" by Alfonso Cuarón. A world-renowned director and winner of the award. And they has promoted their film like no other, trying to enter the prize market (something that has been denied several times already), and if it wins, we will have several films nominated on Netflix next year. Something that I will really enjoy and look forward to. I really hope your plan succeeds!
I hope you like my contribution.
References:
Netflix (2019). Rome. Rescued from https://www.netflix.com/mx/
The newspaper (2019). "Roma" and "The Favorite" lead and two Mexican actresses achieve Oscar nominations. Rescued from https://eldiariony.com/2019/01/22/roma-y-the-favourite-lideran-y-dos-actrices-mexicanas-logran-nominaciones-al-oscar/
xataka (2018). And the Oscar is for ... 'The Avengers': the Hollywood Academy creates a new category for the highest grossing films. Rescued from https://www.xataka.com/cine-y-tv/oscar-para-vengadores-academia-hollywood-crea-nueva-categoria-para-peliculas-taquilleras