PGA Nominations: Academy Hopefuls Snubbed!

The Producers Guild has a great track record for predicting the Oscars' Best Picture lineup. If that holds true, things just got dicey for "Unbroken" and "Into the Woods".

Both Christmas day hits were snubbed by the producers, despite their massive box office take and clear audience appeal. They also got screeners out to the voters with plenty of time to spare. The same cannot be said for "Selma". Reportedly, Paramount only sent screeners to Academy Awards voters (AMPAS) and didn't even bother with many of the guilds, Producers included. This could be a dangerous move, but we will see how it pans out. "Interstellar" also opted to not play the screener game, insisting the movie is better seen in a theater (it is). But apparently, the producers don't go out much, as Christopher Nolan's space opera sees its Oscar chances diminish.

The guild chose instead to give "Foxcatcher" a much needed shot in the arm. The film has been losing momentum and was hit with some negative buzz from the former wrestler Channing Tatum portrays in the film. They also put wind in the sails of "Gone Girl", "American Sniper", "Nightcrawler", and "Whiplash". All four are on the bubble for the Academy. "Gone Girl" is a massive hit, so its spot here was expected. "Nightcrawler" and "Whiplash" are films made on shoestring budgets that turned into profitable hits. Producers love that. "American Sniper" is a curious addition. It's doing well at the box office, but has failed to catch major awards momentum.

I am surprised a film like "Guardians of the Galaxy" couldn't make the cut. It has the perfect storm of big box office, mass audience appeal, and critical adoration. I guess the years biggest hit will just have to be satisfied with Makeup/Hair and Visual Effects nominations.

Last year, the Producers Guild predicted 8 of the eventual 9 Oscar nominees. They nominated "Blue Jasmine" and "Saving Mr. Banks", which were snubbed by the Academy in favor of "Philomena". They guessed 8 nominees right in 2012 as well. Nominating "Skyfall" and "Moonrise Kingdom" over eventual Oscar nominee "Amour". If the trend continues, most of the films listed below will hear their names called when Oscar nominations are announced January 15th.

Outstanding Producer of a Theatrical Motion Picture
"American Sniper"
"Birdman"
"Boyhood"
"Foxcatcher"
"Gone Girl"
"The Grand Budapest Hotel"
"The Imitation Game"
"Nightcrawler"
"The Theory of Everything"
"Whiplash"

Outstanding Producer of an Animated Theatrical Motion Picture
"Big Hero 6"
"The Book of Life"
"The Boxtrolls"
"How to Train Your Dragon 2"
"The LEGO Movie"