While films that arrive via streaming platforms continue to struggle for proper recognition from the powers that be, the Directors Guild of America announced today that they plan to ban "day and date" releases from its prized feature film award category.
The DGA's decision will no doubt rub many filmmakers the wrong way, though the organization insists that they're making this move "in recognition to the unique cultural importance of the theatrical experience to audiences and filmmakers alike.” As per the divisive topic at hand, the national board voted unanimously to change the rules of eligibility on June 22.
“Under the new rule, which will apply to the upcoming 72nd DGA Awards cycle, films that are released through other distribution platforms on the same ‘day and date’ as they premiere in theaters will no longer be eligible for the top DGA award,” the guild announced. “To reflect the change, the award was re-named ‘Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film.’”
With the DGA's new rule in place, it changes the game for films such as Alfonso Cuaron’s ROMA, which would have been up for DGA Award consideration because it was released in theaters prior to its Netflix debut. Additionally, the DGA said that all DGA feature film nominees from years past would have qualified for the prestigious award as per the new rule.
“The DGA proudly affirms that a first-run theatrical release is a distinctive element of our feature film award,” reports DGA President Thomas Schlamme. “We celebrate the important role that theatrical cinema has played in bringing together audiences as they collectively experience films as the filmmakers intended them to be viewed. We also take great pride in recognizing all of the work created by our members through the many categories and formats that are part of the DGA Awards.”
Moreover, the DGA has also ruled that the new first-run theatrical release guidline will not be recognized by the DGA First-Time Feature Film Award category.
In short, unless your film makes it into theaters before being released for streaming, you're out of the running. The DGA's ruling strikes another blow for filmmakers who've teamed with streamer-based studios for the immediate release of their projects to the masses. In the past, platforms such as Netflix and Amazon have proven to be choice platforms for modestly-budgeted features looking to find their audience beyond the big screen. With the DGA's ruling being passed down, one has to wonder if another awards show is needed, one that recognizes the brilliance and impact of film's released outside of cinemas.