‘Gravity,’ ’12 Years a Slave,’ ‘American Hustle’ up for British Academy Film Awards

LONDON – Can “American Hustle” or “12 Years a Slave” defy “Gravity”?

David O. Russell’s con-artist caper and Steve McQueen’s unflinching tale of slavery are hoping to unseat the sci-fi front-runner at Sunday’s British Academy Film Awards.

Space thriller “Gravity” has 11 nominations, while “12 Years a Slave” and “American Hustle” each have 10 for Britain’s equivalent of the Oscars.

The prizes, known as BAFTAs, have become an essential stop for many Hollywood stars ahead of the Academy Awards, held this year on March 2.

Nominees Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon and Sandra Bullock are among those due to walk the red carpet before Sunday’s black-tie ceremony at London’s Royal Opera House.

Oscar-winning actress Helen Mirren will receive the British Academy Fellowship, a career honour.