The Oscars keep changing the best-picture rules. (Associated Press)

It appears the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences would prefer to keep us guessing. Two years after expanding the number of film finalists in the best picture category to 10, Oscar organizers have changed the rules again.

As of 2012, we won't know how many films will be nominated for best picture until the list is officially released in January. Anywhere between five and 10 films could be named.

The move to 10 nominees in 2009 was seen as a bid to broaden the appeal of the awards ceremony, which seemed to be regularly passing over blockbuster favourites such as The Dark Knight for the top category. The current revamp appears to put an emphasis on quality, as the process is in the hands of academy members. When they vote, these Hollywood insiders number their preferences for best picture (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.) and a film must have garnered at least five per cent of the first-place votes to even make that list.

On the surface, the new system appears set to eliminate some recent also-rans -- unlikely additions that made the cut, such as Winter's Bone, Canadian-directed District 9 and animated films such asUp and Toy Story 3. While all worthy efforts, they were definite long shots for the top prize. The new rules also will foil the oddsmakers, who like to tap the obvious choices early and then throw lots for the remaining places.

But the new system won't be able to do anything for that Hollywood group-think -- whatever dynamic it is that has academy members consistently choosing traditional, serious films such as The King's Speech over popular, clever films such as Inception.

As for the ceremony? Keep it short, guys, and try to give us a laugh from time to time.

-- Susan Noakes