Oscar 2014 Nominations Predictions: Bradley Cooper and Ryan Gosling's ''The Place Beyond the Pines,' James McAvoy's 'Trance,' and Matthew McConaughey's 'Mud,' Among Potential Nominees

The Academy Awards are next year in February but many prestige pictures and potential Oscar films are already getting buzz.

"The Place Beyond the Pines" is the first film of the year to be released that may have an opportunity at an Oscar nomination.  Directed by Derek Cianfrance, the film received raves at the Toronto International Film festival and is already getting buzz for Bradley Cooper and Ryan Gosling. The only issue it has is if the film will resonate for the end of the year with such an early release date.

Potential Nominations: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper), Best Supporting Actress (Eva Mendes) Best Original Screenplay

Danny Boyle's "Trance" is also receiving buzz. Boyle's last two films received Best Picture nominations with "Slumdog Millionaire" winning the Oscar. Therefore many speculate that the film can easily land some nominations. However if "Trance" is more like his first films and too genre oriented, the Academy may not go for it.

Potential Nominations: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (James McAvoy) Best Supporting Actor (Vincent Cassel), Best Supporting Actress (Rosario Dawson) Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Sound

After the Toronto International Film Festival's screening of "The Company You Keep," awards buzz began. Robert Redford's performance received great reviews but the film received mixed reviews. If Sony Classics decides to campaign the film, Redford may get a nomination.

Potential Nominations: Best Actor (Robert Redford) Best Adapted Screenplay

Terence Malick's new film "To the Wonder" divided audiences and critics last year in the festival circuit. However critics applauded his visual style. While the director may not be nominated this year, it seems that his film could potentially still receive some recognition. 

 Potential Nominations: Best Cinematography, Best Editing

Matthew McConaughey's new film "Mud" received great reviews a year ago at the Cannes Film festival. McConaughey was applauded for his performance and after almost being nominated last year for "Magic Mike," the Academy could most likely receive his first nomination of the year. Additionally, director Jeff Nichols has been called a visionary director and the may Academy want to reward newly established directors.

Potential Nominations: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Matthew McConaughey) Best Supporting Actor (Michael Shannon), Best Supporting Actress (Reese Witherspoon) Best Original Screenplay

 Mira Nair's "The Reluctant Fundamentalist" opened the Venice Film festival last year and was praised for Kate Hudson and Kiefer Sutherland's performances. IFC will distribute the film and while the company does not have a good awards track record, its star power could help it boost its chances.

Potential Nominations: Best Actor (Keifer Sutehrland), Best Supporting Actress (Kate Hudson)

Zac Efron's family drama "At Any Price" is another Festival pick. Buzz has spread for Efron and Dennis Quaid but not much else is being talked about. With Sony Classic's huge lineup this year, "Price" could easily be lost in the crowd of films. However if the film's reviews are incredible, Sony will push the it greatly.

Potential Nominations: Best Actor (Dennis Quaid and Zac Efron)