Oscar watch intensifies — 'Closest races in years!'

Actor Chiwetel Ejiofor (from left), producer Brad Pitt and director Steve McQueen of “12 Years A Slave” at the Producers Guild of America Awards. Their film tied with “Gravity” for best feature film.

“That tie at the Producers Guild is the best example of just how close this year’s Oscar race is,” a Motion Picture Academy voing member said Tuesday. He was referring to the tie between “12 Years A Slave” and “Gravity” at the annual Producers Guild of America Awards — presented over the weekend in Los Angeles.

“I mean, it’s pretty much a given that Cate Blanchett [for best actress in “Blue Jasmine”] and Jared Leto [for best supporting actor for “Dallas Buyers Club”] will win the Oscar, but pretty much all the other major categories — with the exception of “Frozen” for best animated picture — are still up in the air. Anything could happen.

“I know the recent sweep by Matthew [McConaughey, at the Golden Globes, Critics Choice and especially the Screen Actors Guild awards] has seemingly turned him into the frontrunner for best actor, but I still wouldn’t count out Chiwetel [Ejiofor]. There’s a lot of built-in affection for him and for that amazing film,” added the source — who has no professional vested interest in the film or Ejiofor’s nomination.