HOLLYWOOD – In a stunning concession to reality, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences today unveiled a groundbreaking new category for its annual awards ceremony: “Best Picture (That People Actually Saw and Liked).” The new accolade, set to debut next year, seeks to honor films that resonated with audiences beyond the industry’s gilded echo chamber.

“For too long, we’ve operated under the quaint notion that ‘best’ implies ‘most critically lauded by a select group of aging cinephiles,’” stated Academy President Janet Witherbottom, adjusting her monocle. “We’ve realized, perhaps belatedly, that sometimes the public just wants to see a giant ape fight a lizard, and that’s okay. We’re finally ready to acknowledge that.”

Industry insiders are buzzing about the potential impact. “It’s a bold step,” commented veteran studio executive Mark ‘The Shark’ Finnegan, polishing a solid gold Oscar replica. “Imagine, a film winning an award that doesn’t require a 45-minute post-screening discussion about the socio-political implications of the protagonist’s shoe choice. The possibilities for actual viewership are endless.”

Early speculation suggests contenders for the inaugural award might include anything from blockbuster superhero flicks to romantic comedies that didn't win a single technical award. The Academy has yet to clarify if the new category will require a separate, less pretentious red carpet.