Best Picture Category Nominations Expanded
The field in the Oscars’ best picture category…
Just got a little more crowded!
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the organization behind the awards show, announced last week that the category for Best Picture will now have 10 nominees, instead of the standard five in years past. The change goes into effect with the 82nd Academy Awards ceremony set for March 7th of next year.
Including 10 movies in the Best Picture category is not an unprecedented move. The Oscars ceremonies in the 1930’s and ’40’s often had 10 or more nominees in the top category.
Why The Change Now?
Sid Ganis, the president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, said the decision was made in part because there were movies, most notably The Dark Knight, last year that were worthy of a best-picture nod, but were snubbed. Ganis went on to say “It’s going to give the public the possibility of being more interested in the show, just because it might very well include more populist movies.” Ganis also said he does not think the expansion of the category will dilute the honor.
The Academy may also have been motivated to make the change in an attempt to boost ratings for future shows. Last February’s Oscars broadcast was seen by 36.3 million people. There’s speculation that a best-picture nod for The Dark Knight would have drawn more interest to the broadcast, given the film’s massive popularity last summer.
Of course time will tell if the ratings grabber concept works. As I’ve written many times here, the award show circuit is usually for Hollywood insider back-slappers. Very seldom, with the exception of the People’s Choice Awards, are those who actually shell out ticket dollars considered when it comes to awards.
Yours in entertainment news!
Dr. Rus
Dr. Rus has 30+ years experience in the field of communication. He takes this experience, and his passion to encourage others to positively effect their environment, when providing insight and movie reviews. 
