Oscars organizers postpone controversial "popular film" award



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The organizers of the Oscars said on Thursday that they would delay the introduction of a new category honoring "popular films" pending a "further study", a decision that drove critics to impose Academy of Arts and Sciences Awards to appease studios and increase television ratings.

"The introduction of a new award has sparked many reactions and we recognize the need to continue discussions with our members," said Dawn Hudson, CEO of the Academy, in a statement. "We have made changes to the Oscars over the years, including this year, and we will continue to evolve while respecting the incredible legacy of the past 90 years."

The Academy announced the new category last month, as well as other changes made to the broadcast, without any details on the eligibility criteria for what would set a "popular film" award. It was planned to present it at the 91st Oscars, which will take place on February 24, 2019. At the time, the organizers said that the new category was part of an ongoing effort to keep prices in the spotlight. major categories at the Oscars, where voters tend to favor more prestigious and dramatic rates.

Michael Loccisano / FilmMagic

The Oscars on ABC averaged only 26.5 million viewers for this year's Oscars, where The shape of the water won the Best Film Award, 32 million less than last year.

But the conversation has revolved around popular movies – this year, Disney's Black Panther Superhero's movie has not only surpassed $ 700 million in North American box office and $ 1.3 billion worldwide, but has been hailed by critics and is considered an Oscar contender.

The Academy also said Thursday that its plan for a shorter three-hour broadcast on Oscars would mean that six to eight awards on the 24 categories would be distributed during commercial breaks, to be later published and broadcast later. This decision also provoked negative reactions due to the marginalization of prices that could have fewer celebrity nominations.

The Academy's scientific and technical awards ceremony, which usually takes place two weeks before the Oscars, will be held in June 2020, "honored technologies not being a success in a given year".

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