FILE - This Jan. 4, 2014 file photo shows Chiwetel Ejiofor at the Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Galain Palm Springs, Calif. Ejiofor was nominated for an Academy Award for best actor on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014, for his role in "12 Years a Slave." The 86th Academy Awards will be held on March 2. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
January 16, 2014 - 7:12 PM
LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Oddsmakers in Las Vegas say "12 Years a Slave" has the best shot at winning top honours during the Academy Awards in March.
Odds released Thursday by Johnny Avello of the Wynn Las Vegas sports book list the slavery-era drama as a 2-5 favourite to win an Oscar for best picture. Avello says "Gravity" director Alfonso Cuaron is a 2-3 favourite to win for best director.
Benjamin Eckstein of America's Line is also making "12 Years a Slave" a strong favourite for best picture. He says Cate Blanchett and Chiwetel Ejiofor are the best bets in the top acting categories.
The odds are just for fun, as Nevada doesn't allow wagering on the contest.
Nominations for the 86th annual Oscars were announced Thursday. The awards will be given March 2.
News from © The Associated Press, 2014