(CNN) After flirting with adding a "popular film" category, the Oscars might have an answer for bringing more sizzle to their show hiding in plain sight -- at least if Wednesday's Screen Actors Guild nominations are any guide -- by introducing a "best ensemble" statue.

Because SAG awards honor performers, its top prize is designated to "performance by a cast," collectively recognizing a group of actors featured in the same movie, as well as TV drama and comedy series.

This year, the film nominees include four genuine box-office hits: "Black Panther," "Crazy Rich Asians," and two movies with a musical beat, "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "A Star is Born." (The fifth choice, director Spike Lee's "BlacKkKlansman," wasn't a slouch by that standard, but is the only one to have earned less than $100 million in the US.)

Like any change to long-established tradition, an ensemble award -- which has been proposed off and on for years -- comes with various pros and cons.

In the plus column, anything that puts more actors on screen and in contention is seemingly good for a show that only features four acting categories. The addition would also benefit movies with big casts that don't feature individual performers, more often a hallmark of the prestige dramas that garner lead actress or actor consideration.

Read More