Major changes for Oscars announced, new popular film category to be created
The Oscars are to undergo major changes, most notably the introduction of a new category for popular movies.
The decision to add a new category is among three changes that were approved on Tuesday (August 7th) by the Academy's board of governors, with the new category aimed at rewarding "outstanding achievement in popular film".
Change is coming to the #Oscars. Here's what you need to know:
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) August 8, 2018
- 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. pic.twitter.com/oKTwjV1Qv9
The Academy's board have also said that eligibility requirements for the new category and other key details would be "forthcoming".
In other changes, the Academy's board of governors has also set an earlier date for the 2020 Oscars ceremony of February 9th and will shorten the telecast to three hours.
The trimming will mean that, in order to fit in all 24 award categories, some awards will be presented during commercial breaks with the winning moments edited and aired later in the broadcast.
It is unknown whether the shorter ceremony or the new category will be in place for the 2019 Oscars or if they will begin in 2020.
Next year’s Oscars will take place on February 24th with a host still to be confirmed.
