List of 7 semi-finalists in the Best Makeup race

I do have to say, I was a bit surprised with a few of these choices. The inclusion of Hitchcock and Looper both kind of threw me, especially with the snubs of The Hunger Games, and much more surprisingly, Cloud Atlas. Games has been all but forgotten, but since they changed the official name of the category to Makeup & Hairstyling, I think it might have a realistic shot. Huh. This is one of those categories that I usually don't agree with. As of now, I'd guess the eventual nominees to be The Hobbit, Les Mis and Lincoln, but with this category, you never know. Norbit anybody???

Official press release from the Academy about this year's Best Makeup category...

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences today announced that seven films remain in competition in the Makeup and Hairstyling category for the 85th Academy Awards®.

• “Hitchcock”
• “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”
• “Les Misérables”
• “Lincoln”
• “Looper”
• “Men in Black 3”
• “Snow White and the Huntsman”

On Saturday, January 5, all members of the Academy’s Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch will be invited to view 10-minute excerpts from each of the seven shortlisted films. Following the screenings, members will vote to nominate three films for final Oscar consideration.