This morning, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced a few changes to the Oscars — including the addition of a "Best Popular Film" category.
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. https://t.co/oKTwjV1Qv9
It's not clear from the Academy's announcement how this new ~popular~ category will work, but their statement notes that "eligibility requirements and other key details will be forthcoming."
Naturally, people on Twitter have lots of thoughts about this big change.
Some people think the new category is pointless.
You know what doesn't get enough recognition? Extremely popular films.
Others think the change is a subtle dig on the part of the Academy.
“The Oscars are creating a special category for Outstanding Popular Film” is the most withering insult I’ve ever heard
Some are worried about what this change will mean for movies that aren't classic dramas.
Personally, this feels like a HUGE step back for genre film. Dark Knight, LOTR, District 9, Get Out, & Shape of Water broke the mindsets that scifi and fantasy could be considered BEST PICTURE. Does this new POPULAR category give snobbier members an out? https://t.co/CeMf7B1Cul
And many are concerned that Black Panther — a film that shattered box office records and was met with widespread acclaim — will now be relegated to the Best Popular Film category.
“Achievement in popular film” is rich white for “Black Panther isn’t getting a Best Picture nom” https://t.co/8Wkrt1FXUw
JUST NOMINATE BLACK PANTHER FOR BEST PICTURE YOU COWARDS
I find it suspect that the Academy is adding a popular film category the same year BLACK PANTHER earned tons of Oscar/Best Picture buzz. Fuck that. https://t.co/1lNahLeXj5
Lots of people have raised questions about what constitutes a "popular" movie — as opposed to a film worthy of the big-ticket prize, Best Picture.
Oscars designating a new award for "popular movies" just reiterates to its entire voting body and the world the inane conception that genre movies aren't as good as dramatic! independent! films! It's "I guess Black Panther was fine, but it's no The Artist. Now that's a film!"
After all, as many Twitter users pointed out, most Best Picture nominees are also popular movies.
Here's the ten highest-grossing films, when accounting for inflation aka America's most "popular" films. Every single one was either nominated for or won Best Picture with the exception of "Snow White," which was given an honorary Oscar. Popular films are films! https://t.co/8wIB0NGyLh
For many people, this new category raises questions about who gets to draw the line between "Best Popular Film" and "Best Picture."
Popular film should... be nominated in general? What’s been defined as Oscar worthy or Oscar bait has been defined by the pretensions of white people.
Some Twitter users have also mocked the choice of the word "popular" to describe new award — indicating that it feels a little bit like high school all over again.
Most Popular Film. Film King and Film Queen. Film Most Likely to Succeed. Film Clown. Most Athletic Film. Cutest Couple of Films. Film of the Party.
And some think that if a "popular" category is being added, the Best Picture category should prooobably change, too.
If one category is Popular Film, then another category has to be Film Nobody Cared About But People Think Talking About It Made Them Sound Smart.
But some people have accepted the change — and are now using it as an opportunity to campaign for some of their own faves that might otherwise be excluded from the Oscars.
YOU SAY: The Oscars are adding an award for achievement in popular movies I HEAR: Christine Baranski and Jessica Keenan Wynn are winning a joint Oscar for their work as "Tanya" in the popular film MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN https://t.co/BGYrgADtyO
Petition for the Academy to return to my childhood and award one of these timeless classics Best Popular Film #Oscars https://t.co/bNVmPzMcbT
nothing but respect for MY Best Popular Film winner