Oscar for ‘popular’ flicks nixed

The Oscars are backtracking on the controversial new “popular” films category – at least for now. The Academy Awards announced Thursday that the category, which was set to debut this February, has been postponed indefinitely as the organization continues to rework it and accept additional input.

Academy CEO Dawn Hudson said in a statement that the category’s reveal sparked a “wide range of reactions,” which in turn prompted “further discussion” among members.

“We have made changes to the Oscars over the years — including this year — and we will continue to evolve while also respecting the incredible legacy of the last 90 years,” Hudson said.

The statement also noted that announcing the category so late in the game put movies that had already been released at a disadvantage.

“Achievement in popular film” was announced last month and was seen by many as a way of honoring blockbuster films that pulled in big bucks, but were not typical Oscar bait, like superhero flicks.

The new addition was ripped apart by critics on social media, many of whom believed it cheapened the value of a Best Picture win.

“There is already an award for popular films. It’s called ‘money,’ ” critic Mark Harris wrote on Twitter.

Meanwhile, the other changes in place for the upcoming 91st Oscars will stick around, including a restructure that shortens the telecast to three hours.