The organisers of the Academy Awards are considering reducing the number of Best Picture nominees.

Up to ten films are currently allowed to make the shortlist for the coveted Oscar, but the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences are reportedly thinking of cutting that number in half.

A source said: ''They tried it, and it really didn't do us any good.''

No proposal has yet to be officially made to the Academy's board of governors, who are due to next meet at the end of this month.

A spokesperson for the Academy refused to comment on speculation and told the The Hollywood Reporter: ''As we do each year, the Academy will meet in the coming months to evaluate not only the telecast, but also the awards season in its entirety.''

Meanwhile, at this year's ceremony - which took place last month - the prestigious prize was handed to 'Birdman', which stars Michael Keaton and Emma Stone.

Nominees for the category included 'American Sniper', 'The Imitation Game', 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' and 'Boyhood'.

Other big winners at the ceremony include Eddie Redmayne and Julianne Moore, who were handed Best Actor and Best Actress respectively.

Collecting his award, Eddie said: ''Thank you. Thank you. I don't think I'm capable of articulating quite how I feel right now. I'm fully aware that I am a lucky, lucky man.''

Cutting in half maybe too much. I'd say 7-8 nominations is a good number.