As Alannis M. would say, “Isn’t it ironic?”

The Academy created the 10 Best Picture nominee list to include the more commercial films like The Dark Knight (that they passed on nominating) so the Joe and Jane Popcorns of the world would tune in for bigger ratings, which drives their income.

But by inviting all those international filmmakers to become members, the Academy defeated the purpose of the 10 nominees because now those invitees are voting for more int’l films.  Oh man.  What a quandary.  

And here’s the thing: if you’re going to nominate foreign films for Best Picture Oscar, then why have an international category at all?  Just eliminate it or, better yet, restrict any foreign films from competing for the BP category (along with animated films which also has its own separate category).  That way more deserving American films can get in (and British).