Academy delays introduction of “popular” film Oscar

After a mixed response to its recent announcement that it plans to introduce a new Oscar to recognise achievement in what’s been described as “popular” films, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has decided not to include the category at next year’s ceremony.

The new popular film Oscar is on hold for the members to discuss further how to evolve while respecting the legacy of the awards.

In a statement, the Academy said it remained “committed to celebrating a wide spectrum of movies” but recognised that “implementing any new award nine months into the year creates challenges for films that have already been released.”

The Board of Governors said it continued to be “actively engaged in discusions” and would “examine and seek additional input regarding this category.”

The Academy’s CEO Dawn Hudson acknowledged that there had been “a wide range of reactions” to the proposed new award and she recognised “the need for further discussion” with members to allow the Oscars to “evolve while also respecting the incredible legacy of the last 90 years.”

The Academy said that other recently announced changes, such as having a shorter ceremony with some of the less prominent categories being handed out during the commercial breaks, would be brought in 2019 as planned.

“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. “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.”

Confirming that this year’s Awards Season will kick off for the Academy with its Governors’ Awards ceremony on 18th November, it’s revealed that it will be handing Honorary Oscars to the film publicist Marvin Levy, the Mission: Impossible composer Lalo Schifrin and the actress Cicely Tyson, while  the producers Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall will be honoured with the Irving G Thalberg Memorial Award,