Steven Spielberg Isn’t a Streaming Fan: ‘Movie Theaters Need to Be Around Forever’

Director Steven Spielberg advocated for the traditional theatrical experience recently while accepting an award.

The man behind “Jaws” also took indirect shots at such streaming giants as Netflix and Hulu in his comments.

“I hope all of us really continue to believe that the greatest contributions we can make as filmmakers is to give audiences the motion picture theatrical experience,” Spielberg, 72, said while accepting the Filmmaker Award at the Cinema Audio Society’s CAS Awards.

“I’m a firm believer that movie theaters need to be around forever.”

Spielberg did not specifically name any streaming services — but he did say as a filmmaker he much prefers the theater experience.

“I love television. I love the opportunity. Some of the greatest writing being done today is for television. Some of the best directing for television, some of the best performances, [are] on television today,” said Spielberg. “The sound is better in homes more than it ever has been in history — but there’s nothing like going to a big dark theater with people you’ve never met before and having the experience wash over you. That’s something we all truly believe in.”

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Spielberg has spoken out against Netflix in the past.

He’s said that movies that premiere on the streaming giant after short theatrical windows should not be nominated for Academy Awards.

“I don’t believe that films that are given token qualifications, in a couple of theaters for less than a week, should qualify for Academy Award nominations,” the director told ITV News.

“Once you commit to a television format, you’re a TV movie. If it’s a good show, you deserve an Emmy. But not an Oscar.”

Netflix’s “Roma” is up for 10 Academy Awards this year at Sunday’s Oscars ceremony, including Best Picture.

For more of Spielberg’s thoughts on streaming, check out the video below: