This image released by IFC Films shows Ellar Coltrane at age six in a scene from the film,"Boyhood." The film was nominated for an Oscar Award for best feature on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015. The 87th Annual Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/IFC Films)
Republished January 15, 2015 - 11:20 AM
Original Publication Date January 15, 2015 - 10:00 AM
LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Las Vegas oddsmakers said Thursday that "Boyhood" is the favourite to win the Academy Award for best picture, and Michael Keaton and Julianne Moore are top picks for acting honours.
Johnny Avello, head of the Wynn Las Vegas sports book, said he thinks Oscar voters favour unusual movies such as "Boyhood," a coming-of-age tale covering 12 years of a boy's life.
He makes "Boyhood" a 2-5 favourite over "The Imitation Game," at 7-1.
Benjamin Eckstein, president of the America's Line odds column, made "Boyhood" a 1-2 favourite over "The Grand Budapest Hotel," at 7-1.
The odds were issued only for entertainment purposes. Nevada doesn't allow actual wagering on the Oscars.
Avello and Eckstein both gave Keaton a slight edge to win best actor for "Birdman" over Eddie Redmayne in "The Theory of Everything."
They also made Moore a strong favourite for best actress in "Still Alice" over Reese Witherspoon in "Wild."
The awards will be presented Feb. 22 in Los Angeles.
News from © The Associated Press, 2015