The surprise-sprinkled New York Film Critics’ Circle vote may have been the biggest news of a stacked precursor day yesterday, but as usual, stories of the voting conflicts behind the scenes are even more interesting than the results themselves. The most detailed report I’ve read comes from esteemed NYFCC member J. Hoberman, and it’s a fascinating read for awards geeks. While the winners list might suggest Best Picture was a close-run thing between “Zero Dark Thirty” and “Lincoln,” the latter actually didn’t even figure in the final three: “Argo” came in second and “The Master” took the bronze position, though neither film received any kind of consolation prize. Moreover, Steven Spielberg didn’t receive a single Best Director vote. Moral of the story: this remains anyone’s race, and hurrah for that. [Art Info]

Nominations for the ACCTA Awards — the Oscars of Australian film — bring good news for “Lore,” the country’s foreign-language Oscar submission, and the Weinsteins’ upcoming release “The Sapphires.” [Stale Popcorn]

Speaking of Aussies, Jacki Weaver — an underdog nominee two years ago, vying for a second for “Silver Linings Playbook” — talks about playing two very different kinds of mother hen. [Gold Derby]

Sundance has announced their 2013 Premiere selections, and will close things out with the Ashton Kitcher-starring Steve Jobs biopic “jObs.” [HitFix]

Ang Lee will receive the Harold Lloyd Award, the highest filmmaker honor given out by the International 3D Society, for “Life of Pi.” [The Race]

Looking over the range and reach of Kym Barett and Pierre-Yves Gayraud’s costume designs for “Cloud Atlas.” [Frocktalk]

Multi-Oscar-winning makeup master Rick Baker has received a well-deserved star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. [Below the Line]

Randee Dawn considers the actors in this year’s Oscar race who have been waiting a long time for their first nomination, including Richard Gere and Ewan McGregor. [Variety]

Pete Hammond examines the growing presence of independent films in the Best Animated Feature Oscar race. [Deadline]

Finally, The Guardian is revealing their Top 10 of 2012 one day at a time — and their #9 pick is one that cracked my own top five last year. [The Guardian]