The lead-up to the Academy Awards is getting intense as last night's Broadcast Film Critics Association presented its annual awards ceremony in Santa Monica, Calif., honoring several movies that had earned Oscar nominations hours earlier, the Associated Press reports.
12 Years a Slave, the favorite by Vegas oddsmakers for Oscar's top billing, walked away with three Critics' Choice awards, for best picture, best supporting actress for Lupita Nyong'o and best adapted screenplay.
Gravity landed a record-setting seven Critics' Choice awards, including best actress for Sandra Bullock, best director for Alfonso Cuaron and best sci-fi movie. American Hustle won four prizes, including best comedy, best acting ensemble and best actress in a comedy for Amy Adams.
While Nevada doesn't allowing betting on the Oscars, that didn't stop sports booking from setting the odds.
According to AP, Johnny Avello of the Wynn Las Vegas sports book lists 12 Years a Slave as a 2-5 favorite to win an Oscar for best picture. Avello says Gravity director Alfonso Cuaron is a 2-3 favorite to win for best director.
Benjamin Eckstein of America's Line is also has the slavery-era drama slated as a strong favorite for best picture. He says Chiwetel Ejiofor and Cate Blanchett are best bets in the top acting categories, AP reports.