The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced it was calling off plans to announce a new Oscar for 'popular films', amid widespread backlash to the idea. In a statement issued on Thursday, the Academy said it understood the need for further discussion about the category. It said that it recognised that implementing a new award three-quarters of the way into the year created challenges for films that have already been released.
The Academy had announced the new category for 'outstanding achievement in popular film' last month. In a statement issued on Thursday, the Academy said it understood the need for further discussion about the category. It said that it recognised that implementing a new award three-quarters of the way into the year created challenges for films that have already been released.
The decision had drawn backlash from those who felt the move was the Academy's attempt at increasing its already dwindling television viewership. It also neds to be noted that through the years films that have performed well at the box office, get snubbed at the Oscars. Those from inside and outside the film industry had also raised concerns about how the new category would affect films that were both critically and commercially popular. For instance, Black Panther which stands the chance of being a Best Picture contender for the next Academy awards. It would risk such films being relegated to the new category that stand a chance to win the best picture award. So far, no traditional superhero film has been nominated for best picture.
The 91st Oscars will be held on February 24, 2019.
