Oscars' playing field just got a lot livelier

But in theory, having 10 movies in the best picture race will be a boon to my newspaper and Variety, because the studios will now see the need to support 10 movies instead of five with an onslaught of "For Your Consideration" ads. Studios are cutting back on expenses, but once you land an Oscar nomination, especially with a film with top filmmaking talent, it's almost impossible for a studio to refrain from chasing the dream.

Have no fear: I don't expect to see Paramount taking out "For Your Consideration" ads for Michael Bay. But today's academy decision makes the Oscars more inclusive and more open to popular success, which, if you study history, was always a key ingredient in the awards game. It's easy to forget that plenty of great films were also commercial hits, including such Oscar winners as "The French Connection," "The Sting," "Patton," "Rocky" and, of course, the first two "Godfather" films. It's time the academy reclaimed that tradition.

This move rewards both art and commerce, which is why it may be the wisest decision the academy has made in ages.

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patrick.goldstein@latimes.com

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VOICES

'My question is whether this will open the door to more popcorn movies as some people hope it will, or more independent, foreign or even animated.'

-- Leonard Maltin,

film historian

'I'm excited about it as a producer. I have a better chance of getting nominated. . . . What's wrong with popcorn movies if they're good?'

-- Laura Ziskin,

producer whose credits include Oscar telecasts and the "Spider-Man" films

'I have been a voting member of the academy for 65 years. I see almost every movie made and I have had a difficult time selecting five. I think it's a good idea to [have] 10 nominees.'

-- A.C. Lyles,

veteran producer

'I think they should create a separate category with the five highest-grossing films or for action films and comedy films.'

-- Samuel L. Jackson,

actor

'Today's news is wonderful for the academy because it widens the field. But the question is, will the studios see their Oscar campaign budgets swell? This could be a windfall for the Hollywood Reporter, Variety and other newspapers.'

-- Joel Wayne,

retired studio marketing executive

'It's great for the independent community. There are more chances to win. Certainly there's probably every year 10 movies that could have easily been chosen.'

-- Tom Bernard,

co-president, Sony Pictures Classics