In film news now, the Producers Guild of America has long recognized the difficulties in bringing a director’s vision to the big screen. On Sunday, the guild has recognized some of the best of 2013.

The night’s big winners are sci-fi drama Gravity and historical epic 12 Years a Slave, which marks the first top-category tie in PGA history.

Before the ceremony, 12 Years director-producer Steve McQueen walks the red carpet with actor Brad Pitt, who has a small part in the movie, but a huge role behind the scenes as producer.

Pitt’s Plan B Productions put together the financing for the film, which didn’t exactly scream blockbuster.

For director-producer Alfonso Cuaron, the biggest challenge of producing his international blockbuster Gravity was right there in the title.

Dallas Buyers Club producers Robbie Brenner and Rachel Winter were attached to the project for five years. Three years of that was spent getting enough backing to schedule their shoot.

But right before they started shooting, they realized that the investor’s money wasn’t real.

With top-category wins at the Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice and Screen Actors Guild awards, American Hustle seemed to be on a roll. But with Gravity and Slave scoring with the producers, the Best Picture Oscar could be for the taking. This year’s Oscars will be awarded on March second.