Following a meeting of the board of governors on Wednesday, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has postponed the introduction of “popular film” Oscar category, according to reports. It was earlier supposed to be introduced at the upcoming 91st Academy Awards on February 24, 2019.
The board reportedly said that it is will not launch the proposed new award at the next Oscar show, but will continue to discuss the idea for the new award and “will examine and seek additional input regarding the new category.” The Academy hasn’t provided any timeline for when further details will be decided. “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,” Academy CEO Dawn Hudson said to a leading media organisation.
Last month, the board of governors voted to create the award category, which would recognise "outstanding achievement in popular film.” But no criteria or voting process was announced for the eligibility of films.