Analyzing the Oscar noms w/ THR’s Scott Feinberg; Netflix has a strong Q4
Jan 24, 2025
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Scott Feinberg, Executive Editor of Awards at The Hollywood Reporter, dissects the latest Oscar nominations with keen insight. He discusses the surprises in this year's nominees and how the Academy is shifting towards more inclusivity. The conversation also touches on Netflix's remarkable 19 million new subscribers and its market strategy, including potential mergers in the streaming landscape. Feinberg explores the implications of AI on Hollywood and how it could change the future of performances at prestigious award shows.
Netflix's remarkable success in Q4 signifies its ability to thrive post-pandemic, while raising subscription prices indicates strong demand for its ad-free offerings.
The shifting landscape of Oscar nominations reflects an emerging trend where filmmakers seek theatrical releases, challenging the traditional streaming model in Hollywood.
Deep dives
Netflix's Dominance in Streaming
Netflix's recent performance has solidified its position as the leading player in the streaming industry, evidenced by the addition of 19 million subscribers in a single quarter, bringing its global subscriber base to over 300 million. This surge is attributed to a combination of new content releases and live events, signaling that Netflix continues to thrive even post-pandemic. The company's ability to raise subscription prices indicates strong pricing power, as demand for its ad-free tiers remains high. Moreover, this significant growth has sparked discussions about potential mergers among competing streaming services that seek to consolidate and strengthen their market presence.
Oscar Nominations and Theatrical Releases
The recently announced Oscar nominations have highlighted a notable shift in how films, particularly in the realm of streaming, are being released and recognized. Notably, Greta Gerwig secured an IMAX release for her upcoming Narnia film, marking a significant departure from Netflix’s previous reluctance to embrace theatrical releases. This development raises questions about the industry's evolving landscape, with filmmakers likely to push for similar releases moving forward. As streaming services navigate the competitive landscape, the ability to secure theatrical runs could become a crucial factor for attracting high-caliber directors and audiences alike.
Controversies in Hollywood
A public dispute has emerged between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni regarding alleged inappropriate behavior on set, with leaked footage fueling both sides' narratives. Each party claims the footage supports their viewpoint, showcasing the fine line between playful interactions and perceived harassment, ultimately highlighting the complexities of consent in the entertainment industry. This spectacle reflects a growing trend where disputes are played out in the media realm rather than traditional legal settings, emphasizing the role of public perception over factual legal proceedings. As both actors navigate this controversy, the ongoing coverage sheds light on the fragile nature of reputation and image management in Hollywood.
Netflix had a strong fourth quarter, adding 19 million subscribers to the streaming service before raising subscription prices across the board. Also, leaked footage muddies the water in the ongoing Blake Lively/Justin Baldoni war, and Trump announces a $500 billion AI initiative with Larry Ellison and Sam Altman. Will the project help or hurt Ellison’s stake in his son David’s purchase of Paramount? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni investigate.
Plus, Masters is joined by Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter’s Executive Editor of Awards, to break down who’s in and who’s out in this year's Oscar nominations.
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