Amazon and Netflix Dominating 'Sundance' Films
The Sundance Film Festival is coming to a close this weekend, and many of the year's best films have already been sold to some of the top distributors. However, this year there has been one trend that will likely shake up the industry: Amazon and Netflix have dominated the acquisitions.
A year after both Amazon and Netflix released their first movies, both have entered the bidding wars with distributors like the Weinstein Company and Fox Searchlight. Among the films Amazon acquired is "Manchester by the Sea," which opened to great reviews and awards buzz. The film was purchased for $10 million and could be the first Oscar push for Amazon.
Amazon also acquired "Love and Friendship" based on a Jane Austen novella and "Author: The J.T. LeRoy Story." The documentary has rave reviews and is the first documentary for Amazon.
Netflix acquired "Tallulah" starring Ellen Page and "The Fundamentals of Caring" with Selena Gomez. However, the streaming service did not win rights to Nate Parker's "The Birth of a Nation." Fox Searchlight won those rights and continued its dominant streak at Sundance.
Searchlight paid $17.5 million for the filmmaking in the most expensive acquisition in Sundance history. The company has already promised an awards campaign, and with its track record, this film will likely be headed to the Oscars. Last year the company acquired "Brooklyn," whic is currently nominated for Best Picture.
"The Birth of a Nation" is currently competing for the U.S. Dramatic competition and is likely to take home the top award. The film stars Armie Hammer, Penelope Ann Miller, Jackie Earle Haley and Nate Parker.
The Sundance Film festival concludes on Jan. 31.
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