A display case with Oscar statues. February 20, 2004.
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The 92nd Oscars, scheduled for February 20, 2020, will include a brand new category: "Outstanding Achievement in Popular Film." The addition was announced in a letter to Academy members co-written by president John Bailey, as Variety reports. "Eligibility requirements and other key details" will be revealed at a later date, and the ceremony in 2019 will remain unaffected.
The board also announced a shorter show of three hours. "To honor all 24 award categories, we will present select categories live, in the Dolby Theatre, during commercial breaks (categories to be determined)," the letter reads. "The winning moments will then be edited and aired later in the broadcast."
The new category is likely an attempt to attract more TV viewers – The 2018 Oscars telecast in February recorded an all-time low viewership of 26.5 million.
