Academy postpones popular-film category after facing severe backlash
Oscars Nasa
The Academy had introduced a popular category in the award ceremony.
A month back, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) had decided to introduce the new 'popular' category at the 91st Oscars which will take place in February 2019.
However, the recent reports have indicated that the the AMPAS has opined that the new category will only add more "challenges for the films that have already been released" and have thus been postponed. The decision, many feel has been taken after the Academy faced severe backlash from media and filmmakers at large. Many had felt that the category was introduced to woo a now failing TV audience.
The AMPAS board of governors, however, promised that they will continue to discuss the possibility of presenting this award in future.
The Academy's CEO, Dawn Hudson, during his interview to a leading US tabloid, stated there were mixed reactions due to "the introduction of a new award, and we recognize the need for further discussion with our members".
(With inputs from agencies)