Oscar 2014 Best Picture Nominations Predictions: '12 Years a Slave,' 'Gravity,' 'Inside Llewyn Davis,' 'The Wolf of Wall Street,' 'American Hustle' Among Top Contenders

By Francisco Salazar (staff@latinospost.com) | First Posted: Sep 12, 2013 12:44 AM EDT

Tags oscars, best picture, 12 Years A Slave, Gravity, Inside Llewyn Davis, The Wolf of Wall Street, American Hustle, All is Lost, Fruitvale Station, Foxcatcher

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The Best Picture race is one of the most crowded in years with many predicting the Academy Awards will go for 10 films this year.

The front runner for the Best Picture category is currently "12 Years a Slave," which received universal acclaim at the Telluride and Toronto Film Festival. Pundits predict that the film will resonate with voters and that it will receive numerous nominations.

Joel and Ethan Coen's "Inside Llewyn Davis" also has a good shot at the Best Picture, especially after winning the Grand Jury award at the Cannes Film Festival. The filmmakers are favorites of the Academy and with many critics calling it is their finest film to date, there is no doubt the film will be nominated.

Alfonso Cuaron's "Gravity" is also a huge contender after receiving praise at the Venice Film Festival and Ron Howard's "Rush" has emerged as a top contender.

Meanwhile, "Fruitvale Station" and "Lee Daniel's The Butler" are other possible contenders, but the early release dates will likely affect their Oscar chances. Paul Greengrass' "Captain Phillips" is receiving early praise, but some critics note that the film may be two difficult for Academy voters to digest and could end up overlooked.

"August: Osgae County" received raves for its performances, but many critics cautioned that it would not appeal to a wide audience. As a result, its Best Picture hopes may have lessened.

Bennett Miler's late entry "Foxcatcher" is another possibility, especially after his first two features "Capote," and "Moneyball" received Best Picture nominations.

Martin Scorsese's "The Wolf of Wall Street" and David O. Russell's "American Hustle" are also big contenders even though they have not been released yet.

A couple of films considered long shots include "August: Osage County," "The Monuments Men," "Saving Mr. Banks," "Blue Jasmine," "Nebraska," "All is Lost" and "Prisoners." Also included in that list are "Philomena," "Dallas Buyers Club," "The Secret of Walter Mitty," "Her" and "Labor Day."

Some films that may be considered too small for the Academy's taste include "Before Midnight," "Ain't Them Bodies Saints," "Mud," "Short Term 12," "Out of Furance" and "Frances Ha."

It is too early to predict the race, but with many contenders already launching at the festival circuit, it is easier to see which films may have a shot at Best Picture.

First Predictions

1. "12 Years a Slave"

2. "Gravity"

3. "Inside Llewyn Davis"

4. "Rush"

5. "Fruitvale Station"

6. "The Wolf of Wall Street"

7. "American Hustler"

8. "Captain Phillips"

9. "Foxcatcher"

10. "Lee Daniel's The Butler"

Possible Contenders