LOS ANGELES, Feb. 22 (UPI) -- Expectations that "Slumdog Millionaire" will win a best picture Oscar Sunday reflect a growing favoritism toward independent movies, U.S. film executives say.
The New York Times said with "Slumdog" a heavy favorite at Sunday night's Oscar awards show, some industry executives have expressed concern about the academy's apparent preference for independent and foreign movies.
The unidentified executives have warned that if the trend continues, big Hollywood studios may limit their efforts to win Oscars in the future.
Such criticisms intensified this awards season when the Warner Bros. blockbuster "The Dark Knight" and Walt Disney's "Wall-E" failed to earn a best picture Oscar nomination.
Among the industry grumbles about the awards season, which includes the Oscars, the Golden Globes and other awards, is the cycle's length and declining popularity.
The Times said with 20th Century Fox and Columbia Pictures already limiting their Oscar award efforts, Hollywood insiders are calling for a shorter and more popularized awards season in coming years.
