Some hold position, some gain ground, and one slips. The Producers Guild of America announced their year-end award nominees this morning, and the list looks strikingly familiar…

127 HOURS
BLACK SWAN
INCEPTION
THE FIGHTER
THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT
THE KING’S SPEECH
THE SOCIAL NETWORK
TOY STORY 3
TRUE GRIT
THE TOWN

With this list, I’d wager that it’s safe to say that the list of locks for Best picture nominees has grown. After The SAG Nominees last month, I noted that FIGHTER, KING’S SPEECH, and THE SOCIAL networks were three certainties.

Now, I’d venture that it’s safe to say BLACK SWAN, INCEPTION, THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT have joined that list. I’m equally impressed with the late charge by TRUE GIRT and would count it as a gimme as well. TOY STORY 3 might not be a certainty for me, since I’m unsure of how much love The Academy truly has for animation…but regardless it’s stock continues to increase.

Where things get interesting is in the dogfight for for nine/ten spots. Between THE TOWN, 127 HOURS, and WINTER’S BONE…someone will miss the dance. (If I’m putting money down? 127 misses the cut). If I haven’t said it already, I’ll mention it here…I’m OK with THE TOWN taking that “BLIND SIDE-Tenth seed”.

Later today we’ll get a bit more insight as to where Hollywood’s head is at this year with the Writers’ Guild nominations, but they have disqualified many of the usual suspects so there’s a little less certainty there. (Look for coverage of that tomorrow).

Thoughts?