Oscar hopefuls Gravity and 12 Years a Slave tied for the top prize at the Producers Guild of America Awards Sunday night, indicating that they will present a tough challenge to American Hustle in the run-up to the Academy Awards on March 2.
It was the first-ever tie for best motion picture at the awards which have a good track record in predicting the eventual Oscar winner.
The next big Hollywood awards announcement is expected next week when all three films will compete for honours at the Directors Guild Awards.
American Hustle and Gravity narrowly lead the Oscar nominations, with 10 nominations each, with 12 Years a Slave earning nine nominations.