Are the Oscars already ditching the category they just made?
Less than a month ago, The Academy Awards announced they would be adding a new category for popular film. However, it looks like the Academy may have changed their minds about the newest addition.
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Set to make its debut this February at the 91st Oscars, the popular film category was made to attract mainstream moviegoers to watch the televised award show. The category was said to award “outstanding achievement in popular film.”
While this idea seems great in theory, the Academy failed to actually lay out any criteria or voting process, which left the new category without direction and those voting on it unprepared, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Additionally, it was also met with some major criticism, with folks claiming that sequels and high-budget films alike would overshadow original creations.
Seriously, this “best pop movie” category is the worst idea the Academy has had since they asked me to sing with Snow White.
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) August 9, 2018
“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,” Academy CEO Dawn Hudson says. “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 is still in talks of including the new category in the future, however there is speculation that they have the intention of nonchalantly pushing the popular film category completely off the table.
For the most part, people seem pretty okay with that:
I look forward to The Academy never mentioning the Popular Film Category again
— London James (@BastianBaide) September 6, 2018
The Popular Films Oscar wins Least Popular Oscar Category Oscar pic.twitter.com/jpZxluc9EA
— Lizzy (@thedirtbird) September 6, 2018
They’re shelving the Popular Film category everyone. My breathing has calmed, my heart rate is at a normal pace. I… I think I’m going to be okay.
— Reynolds Woodcock (@BobbyLibby) September 6, 2018
It definitely sounds a little fishy to us. What do you think? Sound off in the comments below!
