Oscar nominations 2014: The nine biggest snubs and surprises

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Sometimes you can’t even say, “It was an honor to be nominated.” Here’s a look at the films and performers who failed to be recognized on Oscar nomination morning, or who are cheering their unexpected success. Pictured from left: Tom Hanks in “Captain Phillips”; “Her” actress Scarlett Johansson; and Robert Redford in “All Is Lost.” (Handout; WireImage / Getty Images)

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All that talk about whether or not Scarlett Johansson could be nominated for an Oscar for her voice work in Spike Jonze’s romantic film was for naught. The actress was not nominated. (Vittorio Zunino Celotto / Getty Images)

By Steven Zeitchik

Jan. 16, 2014 6:55 AM PT

In a season when many favorites have shone through, Oscar voters held up their end, choosing some juggernauts for nominations Thursday morning. Still, there was more than a fair share of snubs and surprises. Here are the nine biggest:

Philomania. After a quiet start, “Philomena” turns out to have surprising traction. Not only did Judi Dench score a nom for best actress, but the film earned screenplay, score and a best-pic slots as well. Leonardo DiCaprio’s wrestle-friendly slip of the tongue Sunday didn’t boost it, though -- ballots were closed several days earlier.

‘Phillips’ sinking? Sure, it landed a supporting actor nom and the all-important best-picture nod. But Paul Greengrass didn’t land on the more exclusive director short list, and Tom Hanks was surprisingly passed over for Christian Bale in best-actor waters.

OSCARS 2014: The complete list of nominees

Mr. Banks could sure use some saving. Maybe all the divisiveness over its message worked against it. Forecast as a sure-fire best-picture nominee since it screened at AFI in November, the film didn’t land there -- in fact, it didn’t land anywhere. Emma Thompson, also thought to be a sure thing in the best-actress category, was passed over for Amy Adams and Meryl Streep.

Robert Redford, or much is indeed lost. He has never won an acting Oscar. And he won’t this year. Despite what many hailed as a bravura performance for the icon as he wordlessly tried to save himself in “All Is Lost,” Redford was odd man out in best actor on Thursday.

Wolfing down. It has polarized audiences and taste-makers, but “Wolf of Wall Street” had a Belfort-like appetite at the podium Thursday. The film not only garnered picture and director noms but two major acting ones, including an unexpected supporting nod for Jonah Hill, as well as an adapted screenplay slot for Terrence Winter.

Bale of hay. He wasn’t talked about for best actor, but when all was said and done, Christian Bale landed a coveted slot for his portrayal of the toupeed lead in “American Hustle.” Tom Hanks’ heroic captain, meanwhile, was nowhere to be found.

FULL COVERAGE: Oscars 2014

Omaha, somewhere in middle America. It may not have garnered a ton of box office, but “Nebraska” is proving an Oscar powerhouse. The film not only garnered expected Oscar noms for Bruce Dern in actor and June Squibb in supporting actress but something of a surprise slot for Alexander Payne in director as well as the critical best-picture nomination and a screenplay nomination for first-timer Bob Nelson.

Yes, Her. The Oscar wild card since the moment it began being shown, Spike Jonze’s film answered the will-it-or-won’t-it question on best picture with a strong yes, landing with the likes of “Gravity” and “12 Years a Slave.” Oscar voters are cool enough to like it after all -- even if they didn’t think as much of Joaquin Phoenix or Scarlett Johansson.

Outside Llewyn Davis. It was many critics’ top choice of the year. But in the end it garnered no major nominations -- nothing for the Coen brothers for director, no best picture and no screenplay, just two smaller noms in cinematography and sound mixing.

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