The announcement of a new “popular film” category at the Oscars has been actively unpopular in Hollywood.
The Academy revealed the category on Wednesday, opening the door for films like Black Panther, Mission Impossible: Fallout and Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again to be recognised at the next ceremony in February.
“The film business passed away today,” tweeted West Wing star Rob Lowe, not one to ever mince his words.
“It had been in poor health for a number of years. It is survived by sequels, tent-poles, and vertical integration.”
He wasn’t the only industry figure to criticise the change.
Actor and writer Andy Richter said: “Finally the Oscars will be giving a statue based on popularity so that those poor mountains of box office money won’t be lonely anymore.”
