British filmmaker McQueen would be the first black director to earn the coveted prize. And Cuaron, who has already won the Golden Globe, the BAFTA and the Directors Guild of America awards, would be the first Latin-American filmmaker to receive the Academy Award in the category.
OSCARS 2014: Real time updates
And for the first time in several years, it’s a real horse race for the best picture Oscar with three films taking the lead in the home stretch.
The lost-in-space blockbuster “Gravity” and the con comedy “American Hustle” have earned 10 nominations apiece, with “12 Years a Slave” following closely with nine nominations.
“12 Years a Slave” goes into the ceremony having already won the Golden Globe and BAFTA for best film. It also tied with "Gravity" for the Producers Guild Award. And on Saturday, it was the big winner at the Film Independent Spirit Awards, earning trophies for McQueen as well as best film, screenplay and supporting actress for Lupita Nyong'o.
So what is certain about the awards taking place Sunday evening at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland?
Ellen DeGeneres is returning for her second stint as the host of the Oscars, which will air live on ABC. Bette Midler, a two-time Oscar nominee, will make her first appearance as a performer. Judy Garland’s three children — Liza Minnelli and Lorna and Joey Luft — will help celebrate the 75th anniversary of “The Wizard of Oz.”
And U2, Pharrell Williams and Pink are among those scheduled to perform.
OSCARS 2014: Complete list of nominees and winners
As for some of the other marquee categories: There are clear front-runners in the acting races, though there have always been surprises.
Cate Blanchett is the one to beat for lead actress for “Blue Jasmine.” The actress has won several critical honors as well as the Golden Globe, SAG, BAFTA and Spirit Award.
And Matthew McConaughey is going into Oscars with momentum as well as the Golden Globe, SAG and Spirit awards for lead actor as a hard-living homophobe who discovers he is HIV positive in “Dallas Buyers Club.” McConaughey’s co-star Jared Leto has also received a plethora of honors for his supporting role as a transgender who also has the disease.
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For supporting actress, Jennifer Lawrence’s comedic turn as the ditsy wife of a con man in “American Hustle” has earned her the Golden Globe and BAFTA. Her chief competition is Nyong’o, and her haunting performance in “12 Years a Slave,” which has received a slew of critical honors as well as the SAG Award.
susan.king@latimes.com rene.lynch@latimes.com
ALSO:
OSCARS 2014: The complete list of winners
OSCARS 2014: Academy Awards through the years
Source: Top Stories - Google News - http://ift.tt/1dRskc9
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