Two extravagant comedies, Birdman and The Grand Budapest Hotel, tied for the most Oscar nominations Thursday morning with nine nods each, including best picture.
They were joined in best-picture nominations by Boyhood, Whiplash, The Theory of Everything, The Imitation Game, American Sniper and Selma.
The Imitation Game trailed close behind with eight nominations. Clint Eastwood’s Navy SEAL drama American Sniper did especially well, landing six nods including best actor for Bradley Cooper.
Also with six nominations was Richard Linklater’s coming-of-age epic Boyhood, which remains the best-picture favourite.
Last year’s Oscars, hosted by Ellen DeGeneres, drew 43 million viewers, making it the most-watched entertainment telecast in a decade. 12 Years a Slave took best picture. This year’s ceremony on Feb. 22 will be hosted by Neil Patrick Harris.
