What happens when the governing body of a huge cinema awards organisation announces a brand new category and the reaction can be summed up as a mixture of "huh?" "meh"" and "crap!"? In the case of Oscar overseers the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the answer is to shift into reverse gear and start backing away.
The subject in question is the Outstanding Achievement in Popular Film category, which was announced with no details as to eligibility or voting last month. After a backlash, the academy has said it won't be included in the 2019 ceremony and requires "further study". "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 in a statement. “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."
Though it was thought that the new category might have value recognising movies that are traditionally snubbed from the Best Picture category, the reaction suggests this is one that truly needed to head back to the drawing board. The Oscar ceremony next year will happen on 9 February. Now, how about just adding an Outstanding Stunt Contribution category instead?
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