'The Meg' Star Page Kennedy Explains Why 'Popular' Oscars Are Needed

The Academy adding a "popular" category to the Oscars has a lot of people riled up, including this guy -- who's got a movie coming out that could win -- and he's all for it.

We spoke to actor Page Kennedy on "TMZ Live" a day before his and Jason Statham's blockbuster film, "The Meg," is set to hit theaters -- where they're battling a prehistoric, humongous great white shark -- and he gave us his take on the controversy.

Page says films like his -- and other popcorn flicks like 'Mission: Impossible,' 'Fate of the Furious,' etc. -- deserve to be recognized for their badassery ... plain and simple. He says these types of movies have just as much value as traditional Oscar noms ... and could even add a much-needed shot of life into an award show that's gathering dust in the ratings.