If you're an Oscar junkie like me, the changes announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences in early August represented a major paradigm shift for the entire awards race. And while there was a certain level of industry chatter about the shortened show and the earlier date, most of the controversy was reserved for the introduction of Best Popular Film, a new category that would recognize outstanding achievements in popular cinema, whatever that actually means. There was virtually instantaneous uproar across the industry, as many wondered why the award was being introduced, what films would actually qualify, and how it would affect the Best Picture race. Many viewed it as a way for Disney (who owns ABC, the Academy's broadcaster) to award their mega-blockbusters, specifically Black Panther. But were they actually hurting a legit contender's chances?
Anyways, none of those questions matter now- the award is kaput. Well, at least for this year.
Yesterday, the Academy walked back their new category, revealing that it won't be implemented at the 2019 Oscars. Instead, it'll be saved for a later ceremony (if it ever actually gets off the ground at all). Via Indiewire, the Academy's official statement read:
"While remaining committed to celebrating a wide spectrum of movies, the Academy announced today that it will not present the new Oscars category at the upcoming 91st awards. The Academy recognizes 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."
I don't really have much to say about this other than: yay! This was always an ironically unpopular idea, and it was hard to imagine it ever gaining any credibility among the ranks of voters and prognosticators. While I do think some people were warming up to the idea of Crazy Rich Asians and Mission: Impossible- Fallout fighting it out in this category, it's better for those excellent films to have a shot in the big race. All is back to normal, and ABC will now have a blast destroying the Oscars in other ways. More musical numbers, less actual awards! That'll attract viewers for sure....
Stay tuned to find out if the Academy decides to implement this controversial category at a later date.
Image: Marvel/IMDb
Anyways, none of those questions matter now- the award is kaput. Well, at least for this year.
Yesterday, the Academy walked back their new category, revealing that it won't be implemented at the 2019 Oscars. Instead, it'll be saved for a later ceremony (if it ever actually gets off the ground at all). Via Indiewire, the Academy's official statement read:
"While remaining committed to celebrating a wide spectrum of movies, the Academy announced today that it will not present the new Oscars category at the upcoming 91st awards. The Academy recognizes 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."
I don't really have much to say about this other than: yay! This was always an ironically unpopular idea, and it was hard to imagine it ever gaining any credibility among the ranks of voters and prognosticators. While I do think some people were warming up to the idea of Crazy Rich Asians and Mission: Impossible- Fallout fighting it out in this category, it's better for those excellent films to have a shot in the big race. All is back to normal, and ABC will now have a blast destroying the Oscars in other ways. More musical numbers, less actual awards! That'll attract viewers for sure....
Stay tuned to find out if the Academy decides to implement this controversial category at a later date.
Image: Marvel/IMDb
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