David O. Russell’s film was up for 10 awards, went home completely empty-handed

Mar 3, 2014 10:45 GMT  ·  By

When the nominations for the Oscars 2014 were announced, fans were quick to bet on either “American Hustle” or “Gravity,” which were the most nominated films, with 10 nods each. “American Hustle” went home completely empty-handed, while “Gravity” scooped up 7 awards.

Most of these wins were in below-the-line categories and only one in a major category, that of Best Director, for Alfonso Cuaron. Still, “American Hustle” didn’t win anything – and it should have.

We’ve already discussed in an op-ed over the weekend how there would always be people unhappy with the Oscars results because, obviously, not everyone can be a winner. Still, for a movie to land 10 nominations and then to walk home without a single one, that’s a bit too much.

“American Hustle” was up for Best Actor (Christian Bale), Best Actress (Amy Adams), Best Supporting Actor (Bradley Cooper), Best Supporting Actress (Jennifer Lawrence), Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay (Eric Warren Singer and David O. Russell) and Best Director (David O. Russell).

The Oscars went to, in this particular order: Matthew McConaughey (“Dallas Buyers Club”), Cate Blachett (“Blue Jasmine”), Jared Leto (“Dallas Buyers Club”), Lupita Nyong’o (“12 Years a Slave”), “12 Years a Slave,” Spike Jonze (“Her”) and Alfonso Cuaron (“Gravity”).

Without saying that those who won didn’t deserve it, we can’t but help notice what big of a snub “American Hustle” got. Variety explains it by saying it was somewhat expected, even though the film raked up so many nominations.

“‘American Hustle’ shut-out: The night’s biggest shut-out went to ‘American Hustle,’ which went 0 for 10 — its greatest chance for a win in the original screenplay category ultimately went to Spike Jonze won for ‘Her’,” says the trade publication.

“Though the ‘American Hustle’ shut-out likely stung, it wasn’t completely unexpected since none of the actors were frontrunners (except for possibly Lawrence) and most of the below-the-line categories succumbed to the weight of ‘Gravity.’ In fact, the night offered few surprises as frontrunners Matthew McConaughey and Cate Blanchett won in the lead acting categories, while Jared Leto not surprisingly won supporting actor for his performance in ‘Dallas Buyers Club’,” Variety adds.

In other words, the odds were not in their favor. Still, fans at home tuning in to see the Oscar gala and rooting for their favorites are upset; about as upset as Leonardo DiCaprio’s supporters are right now because another year has passed and he’s been overlooked again.