Psych

That was fast: Academy ditches confusing new ‘Popular Film’ Oscar category (for now)

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has been on a quest for relevancy, and one of their ideas to engage a broader (and younger) audience appears to have run off course.

Earlier this year, AMPAS announced a brand new Oscar category — “Popular film.”

Critics argued the category would look like pandering, bestowing the highest Hollywood honor to undeserving blockbusters.

Another argument was that films such as Black Panther, which many feel deserves a Best Picture nod, would be boxed into the less prestigious category.

But the idea may not be dead and buried quite yet.

“There has been a wide range of reactions to the introduction of a new award, and we recognize the need for further discussion with our members,” said Academy CEO Dawn Hudson. “We have made changes to the Oscars over the years — including this year — and we will continue to evolve while also respecting the incredible legacy of the last 90 years.”

One of those changes this year is to present certain awards (a.k.a. the ones that don’t involve famous people) during commercial breaks, shortening the telecast to a breezy 3 hours.

Ratings for the 2018 ceremony were at an all-time low, down 19% from 2017.

The 91st Oscars will be awarded on Feb. 24, 2019.

Don't forget to share:

Help make sure LGBTQ+ stories are being told...

We can't rely on mainstream media to tell our stories. That's why we don't lock Queerty articles behind a paywall. Will you support our mission with a contribution today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated