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The Academy just added a ‘popular film’ category to the Oscars

The Academy is trying to win back viewers with a reboot, one that brings a new ‘popular film’ category, a shorter broadcast time and an earlier date to the annual ceremony.
Photo: Matt Sayles/A.M.P.A.S. via Getty Images
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The 2018 Oscars had the fewest viewers of any Academy Awards ceremony in history. Now, the Academy is trying to win back its audience by adding a new ‘popular film’ category, a shorter broadcast time and an earlier date to its annual ceremony.

The Academy hasn’t revealed the criteria for how films will get classified as ‘popular’, or which awards it will scrap from the live broadcast to cut down on runtime, but it said “details will be forthcoming.”

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. pic.twitter.com/oKTwjV1Qv9

— The Academy (@TheAcademy) August 8, 2018

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