As expected, the Academy’s decision to add a new popular film category is being criticized and even ridiculed by most journalists and critics.
It is clearly an act of desperation to bump up the ratings and increase viewership, but it can backfire!
Should it be renamed: Oscar Box-Office Award?
Many have taken to social media to criticize Academy members’ Wednesday announcement to add the new bracket, which some view as an excuse not to nominate critically acclaimed blockbusters like “Black Panther” or “Guardians of the Galaxy” or “Mission Impossible: Fallout” for best picture.
Variety journalists Meredith Woerner and Stuart Oldham were among those to comment on the news, calling the addition “lazy,” “staggeringly ham-fisted,” and “a HUGE step back for genre film.”
“Does that mean that films like ‘Black Panther’ and ‘Mission Impossible’ can’t compete for Best Picture?” Oldham mused.