2015 Oscar Nominations Led By 'Birdman' & 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' With 9 Nominations Each

So, here we are. After months of campaigning, hype, and parties, the nominations for the the 87th Academy Award nominations have arrived. And this year, two movies lead the way, that couldn't have been more different in how they approached the season.

Even though it premiered in Berlin last February, and was released in cinemas last spring, Wes Anderson's "The Grand Budapest Hotel" has managed to emerge tied for the lead in nominations with nine nods. It's a remarkable achievement considering no one from the film was out campaigning or doing interviews, so it speaks to Fox Searchlight's influence and prowess in getting people to talk about the movie again, months after it was released, and reminding them it was an option when they voted.

Meanwhile, "Birdman" was the perfect example of a fall festival bow, followed by limited release rollout, boosted by critical acclaim, and carefully planned campaigning. It too was a Fox Searchlight picture, and the arthouse...