Sterling K. Brown wonders about merit of Oscars changes
At an event for "This Is Us" at Paramount Studios Brown who played N Jobu in the Marvel blockbuster told variety.com that his stance on the category -- particularly as it relates to "Black Panther" which is eligible for 2018 nominations -- goes "back and forth".
"When I first heard of the category the first question I had was ‘What is the criterion for being nominated in this category? " Brown said.
"If it s something that can give it some sort of merit and legitimacy then I think it s cool. But I think ‘Black Panther stands on its own merits regardless of its popularity as being a wonderful piece of art."
"Ryan Coogler is an artist " Brown continued.
"The man is three for three in his films thus far and I don t see him striking out anytime soon. So whether it s in one category the other or both the movie is worthy of recognition."
Earlier this month the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences announced a number of changes to the Oscars including introduction of a new category.
From next year there will be an award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Film. This is first time a new Oscar category has been introduced since Best Animated Film in 2001. Details on eligibility are yet to be announced.
Brown s sentiments echo those of many who have weighed in on the new category saying it may give the Academy an excuse to leave commercially successful films -- which have historically not made serious headway with the Academy despite their potential artistic merits -- out of the Best Picture category in favour of more typical Oscars fare.
--IANS sug/rb/sed
