The Academy Removes The Popular Film Award From The 2019 Oscars After Receiving Backlash

It looks like the Popular Movie Award didn't really last that long.

There was a lot of criticism when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) announced that it was adding a brand new category to the annual Academy Awards called the Best Popular Film Oscar. While some felt like this would give more opportunities to big blockbuster and comic book movies to win awards at the Oscars, others believed that the award was demeaned these genres and the Academy Awards ceremony itself.

Now it looks like the Academy is reconsidering the Popular Film Award, deciding against implementing it in 2019. However, according to Academy (via Screen Rant), it is taking the Popular Film award from the 91^st Oscars and going to re-examine the new genre, believing that it "merits further study".

Here is the statement issued by Academy CEO Dawn Hudson:

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. 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.

Now, after the Academy's decision, it looks like critics have come out and praised the organization for chopping off the award, viewing the Popular Film Award as a cheap idea to attract more viewers to the Oscars. Of course, the Academy could implement the award in a later Oscar date, however, that seems unlikely due to the contentiousness of the new category.

What do you think of the Popular Film Award? Feel free to use the comment section below.

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