As we’ve discussed since the announcement was made, the new Oustanding Achievement in Popular Film category at the Academy Awards has been quite controversial. Traditional film fans see the category as a popularity contest that is a stain on an otherwise prestigious event. However, there are others that have been dying to see genre films, specifically superhero work, get some awards recognition. And surprise, surprise, the A-lister that stars in big budget action films like the ‘Transformers’ series is coming out in support of the new change.
Mark Wahlberg, the aforementioned A-lister, was asked by Variety what he thought of the new Oscars category. And considering his filmography, the actor said what everyone would imagine he would. “Maybe if they’d had the category before, we’d have won a couple of them,” he said. “We’ve had some really commercially successful films that we think certainly warranted that kind of notoriety. We make films that we want people to enjoy and if we get those kind of accolades, fantastic. If not, we make the movies for audiences to enjoy.”
READ MORE: Analysis: ABC Pressures Oscars Into Popular Film Category Mistake
Now, before lovely readers of The Playlist flood our comments and social media, we’ll get this out of the way, immediately. Yes, the obvious response to Wahlberg’s comments is, “Money is your accolade. Profit is your notoriety.”
“There are a lot of great films out there that happen to be very popular and haven’t been recognized that probably deserve the recognition,” Wahlberg continued.
Not sure if he means such illustrious work as “Transformers: The Last Knight,” “Daddy’s Home (1 or 2),” or maybe everyone’s favorite M. Night Shyamalan movie, “The Happening.”
All kidding aside, Wahlberg understands that the films he chooses to make (with a couple clear exceptions) are blockbuster plays. He doesn’t sign on for multiple battling robot films for Oscar glory. So, you can’t fault the guy for being in favor of a category where he might get a statue.
Wahlberg co-star, and former MMA champ, Ronda Rousey agrees with the actor and jokes about her support for Popular Film. “I might have a shot,” Rousey laughed. “Finally, I’m in the running for an Academy Award. I’m gunning for the outstanding achievement in popular film [award]. You heard it now. Vote for me.”
And with that comment, you can feel all of Film Twitter recoil in fear. Those types of comments are exactly why this debate will probably rage on for the foreseeable future.