Oscar 2014 Best Makeup Predictions: 'American Hustle,' 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' and "The Great Gatsby Among Semi-Finalists

The Academy of Motion Picture, Arts, and Sciences have released the short list for the Hair and Makeup category.

The seven films that made the cut were "American Hustle," "Dallas Buyers Club," "The Great Gatsby," "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," "Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters," "Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa," and "The Lone Ranger."

The list surprised many pundits as "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" was left out, as was "Warm Bodies." Both of these films were expected to make the cut because of their elaborate effects work. Other films that were expected to make cut included "Rush", "Oz: The Great and Powerful," and "12 Years a Slave."  

The makeup and hairstyle category is one of the few Oscar categories with three nominees.

On Jan. 11, members of the Academy's makeup artists and hairstylists branch will be invited to view 10-minute excerpts from each of the seven short-listed films. Following the screenings, members will vote to nominate three for final Oscar consideration. The final nominations will be announced on Jan 16.

The Academy launched the makeup category in 1981, with hairstyling added as an optional addition to the prize in 1993, if the hair "contributed greatly to the appearance and effect of the characters."

Previous winners include "Les Miserables," "The Iron Lady," "The Wolfman," "Star Trek," "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," and "La Vie en Rose."

The Academy Awards will be held on March 2 at the Dolby theatre.

First Predictions

1.   "American Hustle"

2.    "The Lone Ranger"

3.    "Dallas Buyers Club"