The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' board of governors have decided to introduce a new category at the Oscars. Enter 'Popular Film'.
Coming into effect at next year's awards, held in Hollywood, this news will be a welcome addition to the telecast for many viewers. 2018's ceremony was noted as the lowest-rated Academy Awards telecast on record.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Academy submitted a letter to its members detailing three major changes for 2019's presentation.
"Dear Member, Last night, the Board of Governors met to elect new board officers, and discuss and approve significant changes to the Oscars telecast. The Board of Governors, staff, Academy members, and various working groups spent the last several months discussing improvements to the show. Tonight, the Board approved three key changes," it explained.
Those alterations are as follows: a three-hour Oscars telecast (the ceremony typically runs close to four), a new award category and earlier airdate for the 92nd Oscars (February 9, 2020).
The Academy will detail the new category's (Outstanding Achievement in Popular Film) eligibility requirements in the coming months.
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Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige will be cracking a smile after hearing this, as he's previously expressed his hopes of recognition for Black Panther.
"I think there are a lot of amazing artists that helped to make that movie," he said, "and it would be wonderful if they could be recognised... We'll see. This genre, typically not."
"There's amazing performances, amazing artistry in that... Yes, there are visual effects, yes, there are fun explosions, yes, there are spaceships. But these are all hand-crafted. Maybe it's in front of a computer; it's often actual sets, actual hand-built costumes.
"As much passion and artistry and talent goes into every single one we do; it'd be amazing for them to be recognised."
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Reporter, Digital Spy
Dan is a freelance entertainment journalist. Beginning his writing career in 2014, Dan's work first graced the pages of cult publications Starburst magazine and Little White Lies before moving onto Total Film, Digital Spy, NME and Yahoo Entertainment.
In the film and TV universe, he kneels at the altar of Jim Carrey, Daniel Plainview, Mike Ehrmantraut and Paulie Walnuts.
