The Oscars Have Added A New ‘Popular Film’ Category And The People Are Real Sceptical
"If that new "Popular Film" category at the Oscars keeps Black Panther out of the Best Picture race, expect backlash."
The Academy Awards, often acknowledged as one of the more prestigious award ceremonies along with the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards, have announced some sweeping changes.
In a message to its membership, the group’s president John Bailey and its CEO Dawn Hudson have announced that the Oscars broadcast will now include a new category for outstanding achievement in popular film.
Change is coming to the #Oscars. Here's what you need to know:
– A new category is being designed around achievement in popular film.
– We've set an earlier airdate for 2020: mark your calendars for February 9.
– We're planning a more globally accessible, three-hour telecast. pic.twitter.com/oKTwjV1Qv9— The Academy (@TheAcademy) August 8, 2018
There’s currently no word on what movies would be eligible.
“While the details for a popular film category are still being finalised, a single film is eligible for an Oscar in both categories — outstanding achievement in popular film and the Academy Award for best picture,” they said, in a later statement.
“The new category will be introduced this coming year, at the 91st Oscars. In creating this award, the Board of Governors supports broad-based consideration of excellence in all films.”
Splitting “popular” films into a separate category from the ‘Best Picture’ slot is a decision which has been met with quite a bit of pushback, with people worried that the move is a huge step back for the legitimacy of genre films.
I have such mixed feelings about this #Oscars news. Sometimes change is good, but I'm afraid that this changes what may enjoy about the Oscars. Also, why can't "Popular" films also be Best Picture? Hmm.
— Sandra Kitchen (@misssandrakitch) August 8, 2018
If that new "Popular Film" category at the Oscars keeps Black Panther out of the Best Picture race, expect backlash.
— Sarah (@Cinesnark) August 8, 2018
Of course — on another related, and maybe sadder, topic — "best-picture winner" and "popular film" did not used to be mutually exclusive. "The Best Years of Our Lives," "Lawrence of Arabia," "The Godfather," "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" — all major hits.
— Stephen Whitty (@StephenWhitty) August 8, 2018
What makes the Oscars so prestigious is its award categories most especially the coveted BEST PICTURE prize
Adding a "Best Popular Film" is an insult!
It decreases the thrill of which wins the biggest award of the night, the Best Picture!#Oscars— 🌻kert🌻 (@kertmacoto) August 8, 2018
The point of expanding the Best Picture category was to recognize more popular films (re: The Dark Knight). Maybe focus on improving/diversifying the voting membership and enforcing that voters actually watch movies rather than create new nonsense categories. #Oscars
— Tom (@DarthInternous) August 8, 2018
I'm sorry, but the Oscars shouldn't need an "Outstanding Popular Film" category when what they could really do is honor worthy films in the Best Picture race. I could just see this being added to honor films like Black Panther, other Marvel movies, etc. So ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/nfX0PuIJhZ
— Melissa 👑💋 (@Melissa_Wasser) August 8, 2018