(Cover) - EN Movies - Academy Award bosses are adding a twist to the best picture category at next year's ceremony.

Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences have voted for a new system which will change the format of how many nominees will compete in the coveted category.

The board voted that the best motion picture section can now produce anywhere between five and 10 nominees, depending on how many films are deserving of the recognition.

The number of films that will compete will not be revealed until full nominations are announced in January.

The Academy, who revealed they studied the voting pattern from previous years to come up with the decision, said the system would introduce a "new element of surprise".

"What stood out was that Academy members had regularly shown a strong admiration for more than five movies," said executive director Bruce Davis in a statement. "A Best Picture nomination should be an indication of extraordinary merit. If there are only eight pictures that truly earn that honour in a given year, we shouldn't feel an obligation to round out the number."

Period drama The King's Speech, starring Colin Firth, won the best motion picture accolade at this year's ceremony.

Next year's Oscar nominations will be announced live on Tuesday, January 24, 2012, at 5.30 am PT in the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater. (C) Cover Media