DGA, PGA, WGA... and the Oscars

Due to some technical difficulties, I have been unable to update my blog with Awards news and reviews etc. Still not fully in functioning state but I am trying anyways.

So PGA and WGA have already announced their nominees, with DGA having announced just today, I thought to give my thoughts on all three in a single post. So first, these are the nominations for the Directors Guild Award 2014:

Alfonso Cuaron, Gravity
Steve McQueen, 12 Years a Slave
David O. Russell, American Hustle
Paul Greengrass, Captain Phillips
Martin Scorsese, The Wolf of Wall Street

And now the Writers Guild Award nominations for 2014:

Original Screenplay

American Hustle
Blue Jasmine
Dallas Buyers Club
Her
Nebraska

Adapted Screenplay

August: Osage County
Before Midnight
Captain Phillips
Lone Survivor
The Wolf of Wall Street

Finally, these are the Producers Guild Award nominations for 2014:

12 Years a Slave
Gravity
American Hustle
Blue Jasmine
Captain Phillips
Dallas Buyers Club
Her
Nebraska
Saving Mr. Banks
The Wolf of Wall Street

So overall, keeping these and the SAG awards nominations in mind, one can easily conclude that 12 Years a Slave and American Hustle are the frontrunners with Gravity as well because it is the kind of film that doesn't need all the big guilds love for it to be a big player. 12 Years a Slave being the frontrunner throughout and gaining much awards and accolades, continues to do so well. As does American Hustle, one of the surprise hits which undoubtedly will give much competition to these other two films due to its broader appeal. Looking at other films, the Coen brothers flick, Inside Llewyn Davis was shockingly snubbed by all the guilds. It was one of the stronger films among the less awarded ones, hence it stands now as a real dark horse. Don't really bet on even a decent showing at the Oscars. Dallas Buyers Club on the other hand picked up its pace with nomination at SAG, WGA and most surprisingly, PGA. So it will indeed get nominated for sure.

There are other films like Captain Phillips, Her, Nebraska that are going to do well with the Oscars. Saving Mr. Banks will get in again, due to its nature and "Hollywood-story" aspects. There is The Wolf of Wall Street carrying the whole controversial/flashy/offending etc baggage with it but respect for Scorsese will may as well help it show some presence. Lee Daniels' The Butler and Fruitvale Station are... gone! Surprising for the former but it has the actors support so don't completely forget its power. Not to forget Blue Jasmine which is certainly a favorite for its performances and for Woody Allen himself.

This year, the awards race have been much fun because of the number of well-made films, the unpredictability of the wins, so many options and for the simple reason that not many are blindly following that certain buzz and coolness factor that drove many last year. There have been controversies but not much or that grave to overturn the trajectory. They are always there and it means business these days.

Best Picture Oscars Nominations Prediction:

12 Years a Slave
Gravity
American Hustle
Captain Phillips
Nebraska
Her
Saving Mr. Banks

Others:

Dallas Buyers Club
The Wolf of Wall Street
Inside Llewyn Davis
Blue Jasmine