The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences set a new benchmark in questionable choices today, when they announced the addition of a new Oscar for “Outstanding Achievement in Popular Film,” aka “Most Popular Movie But Not Necessarily Worth a Best Picture Nod.” Almost immediately following the announcement, some cinephiles and critics pointed out that the move was obviously designed to allow beloved blockbusters and superhero flicks — like this year’s Black Panther — to receive recognition from an awards show that typically overlooks them.
Polanski was convicted of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl in 1978. The allegations against Cosby go back just as far, though he was only formally convicted of felony sexual assault last week.
Almost every corner of Hollywood has been shaken by claims of sexual misconduct in the months since the New York Times first exposed decades of allegations against Harvey Weinstein — and the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences is no exception. The organization has, like many others, taken strides to reconcile with sexual abuses in the film industry, but the latest allegations hit much closer home: Academy President John Bailey is reportedly under investigation for multiple claims of sexual harassment.