There are some big changes in store for the Oscars, with The Academy announcing a new category and a shorter broadcast, dividing audiences.
Change is coming to the #Oscars. Here’s what you need to know:
– A new category is being designed around achievement in popular film.
– We’ve set an earlier airdate for 2020: mark your calendars for February 9.
– We’re planning a more globally accessible, three-hour telecast. pic.twitter.com/oKTwjV1Qv9— The Academy (@TheAcademy) August 8, 2018
The award show will now include a new category for outstanding achievement in popular film.
What exactly “popular film” means hasn’t been defined, however, with Best Picture nominees becoming increasingly arthouse these days (years ago, it was common for big blockbuster movies to be nominated in that category), you could expect the popular film category to focus more on blockbusters and franchises.
The Academy clarified the announcement with the following statement:
“While the details for a popular film category are still being finalized, a single film is eligible for an Oscar in both categories — outstanding achievement in popular film and the Academy Award for best picture,” the organization said. “The new category will be introduced this coming year, at the 91st Oscars. In creating this award, the Board of Governors supports broad-based consideration of excellence in all films.”
The other big change to the broadcast is the 3 hour broadcast time.
The 2018 Oscar broadcast was the least watched Oscars to date, running almost 4 hours.
In order to fit the ceremony into 3 hours, some categories will reportedly be presented during the commercial breaks while other honours, including career achievement awards, will be present on a separate night altogether.
What are your thoughts on these new developments?
Let us know in the comments!
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