The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made headlines in August 2018 when the Board announced the addition of a new Outstanding Achievement in Popular Film category. The addition of the Popular Film category was met with outrage from members of the Academy, movie fans, and film critics. The negative response has apparently caused the Academy’s Board to rethink their decision.
Today, the Academy announced it will not be adding the Oscars category to the 2019 Academy Awards. Among the reasons they cited for postponing the new category is that they wanted to seek further input from their members and that it was too late in the year for the addition of a new award.
“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,” stated 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.”
The Academy’s official statement also said “the Board of Governors continues to be actively engaged in discussions, and will examine and seek additional input regarding this category.”
Although the Best Popular Film change is being put on hold, the Academy is going through with other alterations to the 91st Oscars. Per the Academy:
“Changes to the 91st Oscars (2019) include restructuring and shortening the length of the telecast to three hours. To honor all 24 award categories, six to eight categories will be presented live, in the Dolby Theatre®, during commercial breaks. The winning moments will then be edited and aired later in the broadcast. Selected categories will be rotated each year. The Academy will collaborate with the show producer(s) to select these categories.”
The Board also confirmed the 2020 Academy Awards will take place earlier than in previous years. The Academy had announced the 2020 awards show was set for February 23rd. The new date is February 9th.
The annual Scientific and Technical Awards will move to June beginning in 2020.
The 2019 Oscars are set to take place on Sunday, February 24, 2019. The ceremony will once again be held at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood and will air live on ABC.
