The harrowing historical epic “12 Years a Slave” and the con-artist caper “American Hustle” led the 71st annual Golden Globes with seven nominations each, setting up two very different films as Academy Awards front-runners.

One outlandish and farcical, the other grimly accurate, “American Hustle” and “12 Years a Slave” dominated the Golden Globes on Thursday, when the Hollywood Foreign Press Association announced its nominees.

Nominations for “12 Years a Slave” included best film drama and Steve McQueen for best director. “American Hustle” earned nominations for best movie comedy and David O. Russell for best director.