The Oscars Are Changing the Game With a New Category in 2019
It’s hard to believe that awards season will soon be underway, but nominations for the first shows will be here before we know it. While the big finale — the Oscars — won’t air until early 2019, the Academy has already revealed some changes that we can expect to see in next year’s telecast.
“Change is coming to the #Oscars,” the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the group behind the Oscars, tweeted on Wednesday, outlining three key changes. They elaborated further on the developments in a letter from the Academy to its members.
Among the most notable was the announcement that a new category for achievement in popular film is being introduced. Details on the criteria and eligibility have yet to be announced, but giving some shine to major blockbusters that are often left out of critical contention (hello, Wonder Woman!) should help boost attention and ratings.
Additionally, the Academy noted that they’re committed to keeping the broadcast to three hours, and will hand out some awards during commercial breaks in order to deliver a “more accessible Oscars for our viewers worldwide.” The winning moments will be edited and aired later in the broadcast.
Third, the air date for the 2020 Oscars will be moved up from the previously announced February 23 to Sunday, February 9. In the meantime, the 91st Oscars will air as announced on Sunday, February 24, 2019.
Despite the fact that the 2019 Oscars are still six months away, hype continues to build around more traditionally Academy buzz-worthy films. And with the new popular film category, it might mean that deserving but historically overlooked films like Black Panther or A Quiet Place could also have a real shot at more than just technical or costume prizes.
The 2019 Oscars will air on Sunday, February 24, 2019 on ABC.
What do you think of the changes to the Oscars? Let us know @BritandCo.
(photo via Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images)