Oscars removing ‘popular film’ category from 2019 Academy Awards

Marvel

• The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
  announced Thursday that it’s delaying the debut of a recently
  announced “popular film” Oscar.
• The award will not be included at the 2019 Oscars
  because it “merits further study.”
• 
  “The Academy recognized that implementing any new
  award nine months into the year creates challenges for films
  that have already been released,” it said in a
  statement.
  
• 
  The category was met with a wave of backlash from
  critics when it was announced.
  

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced
Thursday that the controversial new “popular film” category will
not be included at the 2019 Oscars because it “merits
further study.”

“While remaining committed to celebrating a wide spectrum
of films, the Academy announced today that it will not present
the new Oscars category at the upcoming 91st awards,” the
Academy said in a statement. “The Academy recognized that
implementing any new award nine months into the year creates
challenges for films that have already been released. The Board
of Governors continues to be actively engaged in discussions, and
will examine and seek additional input regarding this
category.”

It was only a month ago that the Academy announced it would
introduce the category at the 2019 Oscars (which honors this
year’s films), but it was quickly met with a wave of backlash
from film critics and celebrities alike.

“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 in a statement. “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.”

The Academy seems to have left the opening to either debut
the category in 2020 (or beyond), or scrap the idea
altogether.

Whatever happens to the category in the future, its scrapping
from this year’s ceremony means films like “Black Panther” may
have a better shot at the Oscars’ top prize: best picture.
Marvel is making a serious Oscars
push for the first time to get the movie nominated, and
Disney has even hired a veteran Oscars strategist to lead the
campaign.