James Cameron Went Off About Netflix And The Academy, And (Acclaimed) Netflix Star Joel Edgerton Just Fired Back

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James Cameron has consistently championed movie theaters, and his recent statements have reignited a heated debate within the film industry. He criticized Netflix’s approach to awards, arguing that films shouldn’t be eligible for Oscars unless they’re shown in cinemas. This sparked reactions from both traditional Hollywood figures and fans of streaming services. Now, Joel Edgerton, a leading actor in one of Netflix’s major 2025 films, Train Dreams, is responding to Cameron’s comments.

In a clip shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Variety, Joel Edgerton responded to James Cameron’s comments at the Gotham Awards. Edgerton explained that Cameron seemed to overlook the fact that many filmmakers rely on funding and distribution from streaming services to get their projects made. His reply was measured, well-considered, and realistic.

We shouldn’t be arguing about what films deserve recognition. James is right to push for the continued health of traditional cinema, but that shouldn’t exclude filmmakers who rely on streaming platforms to get their work seen. Some established filmmakers have the resources and influence to advocate strongly for their vision, and I admire that. James is a truly exceptional filmmaker – he consistently creates ambitious and groundbreaking work.

I was really interested to hear what James Cameron had to say on the podcast The Town last week. He basically argued that movies that skip theaters shouldn’t even be considered for Best Picture at the Oscars. He used Netflix as an example – they’ve been nominated ten times for Best Picture but haven’t won once, and he thinks that devalues the award if films don’t have a proper theatrical release. It’s all become a bigger deal now because the Academy is making some changes to their rules starting in 2025, so the debate is really heating up!

Edgerton said he wished Train Dreams could have played in theaters, but he won’t let that discourage him from continuing to create the stories he’s passionate about. He explained that he’ll keep making the work he believes in, regardless of how it’s distributed.

As a producer, director, and actor, I’ve strongly defended the traditional moviegoing experience a few times, even when it was difficult. A friend pointed out that I probably watched most of my favorite films after they left theaters. Many of those favorites are from the 1970s, and I first saw them on VHS tapes on an old TV. Despite that, I still believe in the power of seeing movies in a cinema. But I’m also realistic – I understand that’s not always how people experience film now.

The disagreement over how people watch movies is growing. Some, like actor Stellan Skarsgård, believe movie theaters should remain important for awards season. However, others point to changing viewing habits, with more and more people choosing to watch at home. In fact, almost 75% of adults in the U.S. streamed a new movie at home last year, showing this trend is continuing to gain momentum.

As a movie lover, I see both sides of this argument. James Cameron’s spent his career making films for the big screen, so of course he’s a champion of that experience. But David Edgerton has a point – streaming has given so many filmmakers a chance to really shine. Honestly, I think the future of the Oscars—what even counts as a movie deserving of an award—is somewhere in the middle of these two ideas, and they’re still figuring it out.

Whether you’re familiar with the original story or not, Joel Edgerton’s Train Dreams is a film well worth watching. This adaptation of Denis Johnson’s popular novella follows Robert Grainier’s life working in the forests of the Pacific Northwest, and how he witnesses the changes of a new century. It’s been praised as one of the year’s best releases and is a great choice if you already subscribe to Netflix.

James Cameron’s next big movie, Avatar: Fire and Ash, will be released in theaters on December 19, 2025.

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2025-12-04 21:40