Academy Awards hoping to become more popular by adding Oscar category for “popular film”

It just got a little bit easier for a comedy to win a major Academy Award.

No, the Oscars aren’t considering great comedies as potential Best Picture nominees, nor are they creating a specific Best Picture (Comedy) category.

But the Academy did announce today that they’re adding a new category for “achievement in popular film.” Eligibility requirements and other key details will be forthcoming.

Which, of course, means you’ll likely see your favorite comedians competing against superheroes and Star Wars. Um. OK.

The Oscars telecast also will have a hard-out at three hours (and anything else will be awarded off the air), and move the date from spring to February come 2020.

Sean L. McCarthy

Editor and publisher since 2007, when he was named New York's Funniest Reporter. Former newspaper reporter at the New York Daily News, Boston Herald and smaller dailies and community papers across America. Loves comedy so much he founded this site.

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