Things just ain't the same.  At least, that's the mantra for studios attempting to play the best picture game this year.  After two years of expanded play following the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences decision to increase the number of nominees from five to 10, the org made news by putting in a complex rule it sees as validating each nominee.  Now, instead of a guaranteed 10 nods, a film must qualify by receiving at least 5% of member first place votes.  The weighted system that previously allowed members to rank their top 10 (or five before that) will only be used if 10 potential nominees receive more than the 5% (or approximately 250) required votes.  

Got that?

The Academy also raised eyebrows by revealing that a study by its accounting firm revealed that if this system has been in place since 2001 there would have been years with 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 nominees, but never 10.  This has brought as sense of nervousness to this year's proceedings as its clear no picture is truly a "safe" bet and members are going to have to be judicious on who they place at the top of their ballot.  It will lead to some anxious moments on the Oscar nomination morning of Jan. 25, but before anyone gets too stressed yet let's run down all of this year's potential nominees.