’12 Years A Slave’ And ‘Gravity’ Tie For Producers Guild Honor As Oscar Race Heats Up

Hollywood made history on Sunday by awarding two films, 12 Years a Slave and Gravity, at the Producers Guild Awards for the first time. The decision has fueled further anticipation and speculation as to whether one of these critically acclaimed movies will scoop the Oscar.

The Producers Guild of America (PGA) has never before declared a tie in the 25-year history of its awards. Steve McQueen’s slave drama starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, newcomer Lupita, and Michael Fassbender tied with the acclaimed space drama starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney.

Looking ahead to the Oscars, the PGA has correctly predicted the Academy Award winner for best picture for the last six years, including Ben Affleck’s Argo last year.

In their acceptance speech for the PGA Award, director and producer Steve McQueen and cast member Brad Pitt addressed an issue that could complicate the Oscar potential for 12 Years a Slave; for some audiences the film may just be too difficult to watch:

“When the film first came out in Toronto, some people were saying that this was a brutal film, that no one would go to see it,” McQueen said. “Box office here in the United States and in the UK has proven differently.”

However, it is not only a two horse race, as last weekend the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) awarded 1970s-set corruption caper American Hustle its top prize, best film ensemble cast.

In the awards so far, Amercian Hustle has been celebrated for its strong performances, Gravity has been recognized for its technological prowess, while after leading the Critics Choice nominations, 12 Years a Slave was awarded Best Picture.

The LA Times reported that:

‘The last time the Producers Guild of America and the Academy Awards differed on their top choices was seven years ago when Little Miss Sunshine won the Zanuck trophy and the Academy Award went to The Departed.’

12 Years a Slave, Gravity and American Hustle are clearly the hot favorites in the Best Picture category along with Captain Phillips, Dallas Buyers Club, Her, Nebraska, Philomena and The Wolf of Wall Street.

In analyzing the awards made so far this season, The Telegraph has suggested that the odds point to Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave taking the Academy Award:

‘The Producers Guild of America most consistently predicts Oscars success in the Best Picture category. The two awards ceremonies agree 71% of the time. Second are the Golden Globes (62.5%) and third the Critics’ Choice awards (57.9%). Each of these ceremonies have given their Best Picture Award to 12 Years a Slave this year.’

The Academy Awards will be held on 2 March.