The Academy Adds New Category! But Also Must Compromise…

Scott Feinberg reports that the Academy has decided to only feature select wins on the telecast to keep the show trimmed to a solid three hours.

But the good news is – and all of you who have been following THIS site know that we’ve been offering this suggestion for a while now. Though I described it as “Best Effects Driven Motion Picture” – instead they will offer up “Best Popular Film.” I think this is a bad-ass idea and one that will help them bring in new eyeballs.

I’m a little less thrilled with the the way they’ve decided to trim the fat is to off-load some of the “lesser” wins that will be edited and shown later in the broadcast – you know, like they do with the Sci-Tech awards. Here is the letter as posted:

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:

1. A three-hour Oscars telecast

We are committed to producing an entertaining show in three hours, delivering a more accessible Oscars for our viewers worldwide.

To honor all 24 award categories, we will present select categories live, in the Dolby Theatre, during commercial breaks (categories to be determined). The winning moments will then be edited and aired later in the broadcast.

2. New award category

We will create a new category for outstanding achievement in popular film. Eligibility requirements and other key details will be forthcoming.

3. Earlier airdate for 92nd Oscars

The date of the 92nd Oscars telecast will move to Sunday, February 9, 2020, from the previously announced February 23. The date change will not affect awards eligibility dates or the voting process.

The 91st Oscars telecast remains as announced on Sunday, February 24, 2019.

We have heard from many of you about improvements needed to keep the Oscars and our Academy relevant in a changing world. The Board of Governors took this charge seriously.

We are excited about these steps, and look forward to sharing more details with you.

John Bailey and Dawn Hudson

I am always one for change rather than stagnation. I believe we must improvise, adapt and overcome everything that comes our way and there is no doubt that the world has changed around the Oscars. Since their Best Picture no longer represents what the ticket buyers like they HAVE to do this. Otherwise, the show becomes insular and niche – and thus, a bit pointless.

I know many will complain about the award wins not shown live. I hope that they will also think about what a big deal a new category is for the Academy and to that I say BRAVO to them. BRAVO.