The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that they are postponing changes to the upcoming Academy Awards ceremony, including the controversial addition of a “Most Popular Film” category.

The award was intended to be introduced at the ceremony next year, but this change has officially been postponed by the Academy. The rules of the new category were still fairly undefined, and the negative feedback to the initial announcement likely played a part in delaying the change.

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“There has been a wide range of reactions to the introduction of a new award, and we recognize the need for further discussion with our members," said Academy CEO Dawn Hudson in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. "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.”

Last month, the Academy board of governors voted to implement the change for the upcoming 91st Oscars ceremony. The changes were conceived by the Academy to combat diminishing viewership numbers with the telecast of the event in recent years. Almost immediately upon being announced, the decision came under fire from film critics and audiences alike, decrying the separation of “popular” and “best.”