Vegas bookies: ’12 Years a Slave’ best bet to win best picture

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Odds released Thursday by Johnny Avello of the Wynn Las Vegas sports book list the slavery-era drama as a 2-5 favorite to win an Oscar for best picture..

Luther Vandross was outed as gay after his death.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Oddsmakers in Las Vegas say “12 Years a Slave” has the best shot at winning top honors during the Academy Awards in March.

Odds released Thursday by Johnny Avello of the Wynn Las Vegas sports book list the slavery-era drama as a 2-5 favorite to win an Oscar for best picture. Avello says “Gravity” director Alfonso Cuaron is a 2-3 favorite to win for best director.

Benjamin Eckstein of America’s Line is also making “12 Years a Slave” a strong favorite for best picture. He says Cate Blanchett and Chiwetel Ejiofor are the best bets in the top acting categories.

The odds are just for fun, as Nevada doesn’t allow wagering on the contest.

Nominations for the 86th annual Oscars were announced Thursday. The awards will be given March 2.

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