Competition: A leaked memo revealed that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science bosses are concerned that they could also lose viewers to popular television shows such as Downton Abbey which will be showing at the same time on a rival channel
Though the official nominations will not be announced until January 15, films such as Foxcatcher, Wild, Cake, The Imitation Game and The Theory of Everything are some of the movies expected to land nods, while the more popular blockbusters that prove to be the biggest hits at the box office are not likely to get a look in
The three favourites for the best picture award are Boyhood, Birdman and Selma, according to GoldDerby.com which is a specialist awards site.
Collectively, the films have racked in around $69 million at the box office which is less than a tenth of what Guardians of the Galaxy – the best-performing superhero film of 2014 – managed to make.
Fears: Oscar organisers fear that they will fail to reach close to that amount with this year’s awards due to the fact nominations will likely be awarded to art films that the majority of the public have not seen
Niche: The three favourites for the best picture award are Birdman, Boyhood and Selma, according to GoldDerby.com
The night could be exciting for British stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Eddie Redmayne as they are expected to be nominated for the best actor award for The Imitation Game and The Theory of Everything and they have been sweeping up nominations at other ceremonies so far.
In the memo, which was revealed by The Hollywood Reporter, it is mentioned that with ‘art films rather than blockbusters that have mass appeal’ taking centre stage, the awards show could see ‘counterprogramming’ become a challenge.
Broke records across the board: Last year’s ceremony - hosted by Ellen DeGeneres - drew in 44 million American viewers, making it the most-watched non-sporting television event in the US since the final episode of Friends in 2004
The academy has reportedly invested millions in a bid to drive viewers to the show and became their blitz campaign over the Christmas period.
The Oscars will be hosted by Neil Patrick Harris in Los Angeles on February 22.
The How I Met Your Mother star is well known for his hilarious turns as the presenter of TV's Emmys awards show and the Tonys, the theatrical world's big bash.
Golden boy:The Oscars will be hosted by Neil Patrick Harris in Los Angeles on February 22