Netflix Won't Debut Any Movies at Cannes Film Festival Despite Ongoing Talks
Netflix is skipping the Cannes Film Festival for the second year in a row despite positive discussions between the two parties to include the streaming giant's films.
Last year, Cannes artistic director Thierry Frémaux ruled that Netflix movies were ineligible to compete for the Palme d’Or, which led Netflix boss Ted Sarandos to pull the streaming company's slate, including "Roma."
"Roma," "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs," and others debuted at other film festivals instead, to great acclaim and eventual Oscar nominations (and wins).
With just a couple months to go until this year's Cannes Film Festival, the two sides have been engaging in friendly talks, but no agreement has been made, according to Variety.
In any case, Netflix doesn't have any films ready to enter the competition. Frémaux was reportedly keen to include Martin Scorsese's "The Irishman," which is likely to be a major awards contender. Scorsese previously won the won the Palme d’Or for "Taxi Driver."
However, "The Irishman" will not be ready by May. The movie requires heavy special effects to de-age stars Robert De Niro and Al Pacino so they can play their characters across decades.
Other possible Cannes players were Steven Soderbergh’s “The Laundromat” starring Meryl Streep, an untitled Noah Baumbach film, and “The King” with Timothée Chalamet as Henry V — but none of them will enter the festival.
The contention between Netflix and Cannes began in 2017 after the streaming service debuted “Okja” and "The Meyerowitz Stories” at the festival. French theater owners made a fuss about Netflix's day-and-date release strategy, and Frémaux bowed to the pressure.
Netflix is also embroiled in a clash with Steven Spielberg, who is reportedly planning to block streaming movies from the Oscars.
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