Fresh off its first ever Oscar nomination for Best Picture, Netflix is pursuing membership in the Motion Picture Association of America.

Politico Pro was first to report the news that the streaming giant is close to joining the MPAA, and is already in "advanced talks" with the organization. A source confirmed those talks to TheWrap, which notes that the move would help Netflix become more like a traditional film studio, and give it more lobbying power in Washington on issues that affect the industry, such as copyright.

While Netflix has always marched to the beat of its own drummer (see its current petty conflict with theater chains like AMC, which are refusing to include "Roma" in their Best Picture showcases), TheWrap reports that the streaming service has changed its theatrical release policies in recent years, mostly to make itself eligible for awards consideration. Joining the MPAA would align it more closely with the old school film industry, and cement its burgeoning status as a moviemaking powerhouse.

According to Variety, membership in the MPAA -- which currently includes six other major film studios -- means hefty annual membership dues, in the $15 to $20 million range. Guess Netflix's upcoming price hikes have a purpose after all.

[via: Politico Pro, The Wrap, Variety]