‘American Hustle’ in Oscars shutout

From left, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Jeremy Renner, Christian Bale and Jennifer Lawrence in a scene from “American Hustle.” AP FILE PHOTO

HOLLYWOOD – Crime caper “American Hustle” suffered one of the worst shutouts in Oscars history on Sunday after failing to win any awards despite its 10 nominations.

The drama had received broadly favorable reviews and had led the field in terms of nods along with eventual best picture winner “12 Years A Slave” heading into Sunday’s Academy Awards.

As well as a nomination for best picture, the movie had also earned nods for director David O. Russell as well as for actors Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams and Jennifer Lawrence.

However the film, based on a 1970s FBI sting operation known as ABSCAM, missed out in all of the major and minor categories in which it was nominated.

Only two films – 1977’s “The Turning Point” and Steven Spielberg’s 1985 drama “The Color Purple” – had ever suffered bigger snubs. Both films were nominated for 11 Oscars but came away empty-handed.

Two other films – Martin Scorsese’s “Gangs of New York” and Joel and Ethan Coen’s 2010 remake of “True Grit” – also won nothing after receiving 10 nominations.

The disappointment for “American Hustle” was arguably even more unexpected given the movie had consistently picked up honors throughout Hollywood’s awards season, including a Golden Globe for best comedy or musical and the top honor at the Screen Actors Guild award.