Chasing the audience

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has added a new Oscars category for next year: Outstanding Achievement in Popular Film.

While the parameters for the award have not been set, the idea of it puts the blame on the audience for the telecast’s dwindling ratings over the last decade-plus.

Are you at fault?

Perhaps the Academy should look inward.

Because, while popularity and quality are separate things, more often than not they converge. Actual achievement in film results in a movie being popular, it's tough to avoid.

Because “The Piano” (1994) was good, it got talked about, word spr...