GOLDEN GLOBES SNUBS & SURPRISES

Oprah missed out on a Golden Globes nod this year for her efforts in 'The Butler'. Credit: The Weinstein Co/Universal/Fox Searchlight

When the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) announced the Golden Globe nominations for excellence in film and television early this morning, we were shocked — shocked! — that power person Oprah Winfrey did not get her sure-thing, bet-the-farm nomination for Best Supporting Actress in "Lee Daniels' The Butler." And that's only snub No. 1!

1. "The Butler" Gets Served

Oprah went down with the ship when her drama about the civil rights movement as seen through the decades-long tenure of a White House butler got royally snubbed. Forest Whitaker in the title role got no love, along with director Lee Daniels and screenplay. But, why? It's possible that it became a victim of the "12 Years a Slave" juggernaut — which received a leading seven nominations (tied for most with "American Hustle").

Both "12 Years a Slave" and "The Butler" treat historical moments in African American history. And both have enormous casts that showcase new and newfound African American and African British acting talent -- from Chiiwetel Ejiofor and Lupita Nyong’o to Forest Whitaker and David Oyelowo. But, in the end, it might be that Lee Daniels' film seemed more movie-of-the-week when seen in comparison to Steve McQueen's high art "12 Years a Slave."

'12 Years a Slave' (pictured) and 'American Hustle' lead the 2014 Golden Globe Awards nominees with seven each. Credit: Icon Films.

2. James Gandolfini … "Enough Said"

Even though his co-star Julia Louis-Dreyfus scored a nod for Best Actress, Comedy, the moment to recognize Gandolfini posthumously for a sweet teddy-bear of a performance seemed like a must-do for the HFPA, especially coming a day after his peers in the Screen Actors Guild gave Gandolfini a nomination. But it didn't happen. Still, expect Louis-Dreyfus to share the honors and salute her friend on the campaign trail.

CHECK OUT THE FULL LIST OF GOLDEN GLOBES NOMINEES

3. No Thanks From "Mr. Banks"

Disney's hope for an awards comeback stalls as the period piece about the making of "Mary Poppins" got shut out of Best Picture, Drama, along with Tom Hanks for a supporting nomination. The fabulous Emma Thompson now carries all the movie's weight in the Best Actress, Drama category — and becomes a sure thing for an Oscar nom.

4. "Philomena" and "Rush" Get Fast-Tracked

Both movies snuck into the Best Picture, Drama category ahead of snubbed favorites "Saving Mr. Banks" and "Dallas Buyers Club." "Philomena" has three noms, adding in Best Actress, Drama for Judi Dench and Best Screenplay, while "Rush" has two, with surprise supporting nominee Daniel Brühl.

5. Marty Left Out of the Party

Pundits wondered whether Martin Scorsese's "The Wolf of Wall Street" was screening too late for early awards consideration. That clearly wasn't the case, as the stylish finance flick made the cut in Best Picture, Comedy. But there was no love for its helmer, as Scorsese was left out of the Best Director race, which would've marked his 10th nomination.

Martin Scorsese missed out on a Best Director nod for 'The Wolf of Wall Street'. Credit: Roadshow Films.

6. Julie Delpy and Greta Gerwig Do Indie Chicks Proud

Multi-generational manic pixie dream girls Delpy ("Before Midnight") and Gerwig ("Frances Ha") get their props in the Best Actress, Comedy category. Could it be that both women helped their chances by writing their own roles?

7. The Coen Brothers Sing the Blues

The perennial awards favorites got overlooked as directors and screenwriters, even though "Inside Llewyn Davis" got Best Picture, Comedy recognition and star Oscar Isaac made the cut for Best Actor.

8. Supporting Actor Surprise Snubs

Good news for Daniel Brühl ("Rush") and Barkhad Abdi ("Captain Phillips") meant bad news for Jonah Hill for "The Wolf of Wall Street" and Tom Hanks for "Saving Mr. Banks." Hanks can at least take solace in the fact that he's up for Best Actor, Drama (for "Phillips") … and the fact that he's Tom Hanks.

Thelma Adams writes for Yahoo! Movies