As far as the reasoning for the postponement of the Popular Film category, the Academy cited that introducing the new award this late in the year created challenges for films released earlier in 2018.
So at least for the 91st Academy Awards next year, there will be no Popular Film category.
After a meeting of the board of governors, the Academy announced that it will not be instituting the new award at next year’s ceremony and is shelving the Popular Film category for the time being.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Academy said that it plans to continue discussing the idea of the category and seeking input about it.