Oscar Odds on ‘Dances’ and Costner

If he could take bets on the Oscars, oddsmaker Lenny Del Genio says he’d put money on “Dances With Wolves” and actor-director Kevin Costner to best the field of nominees.

“It’s been a big year for critically acclaimed box office hits with the field of nominations wide open for a large group of qualified contenders in all areas,” Del Genio said Tuesday.

Del Genio, director of race and sports book operations at Bally’s, has made Oscar predictions for nine years. Last year he picked 19 of the 30 major Academy Award nominees. He got four of six finalists.

Nevada bookmakers cannot accept wagers on non-sporting events.

Del Genio picks Costner for best actor and director nominations. Competing with Costner at even money is director Martin Scorsese for “GoodFellas.”

“Dances With Wolves” is a sure bet for a best picture nomination, Del Genio said.

“GoodFellas” was also an even money pick for best film with its co-star Joe Pesci even money for a best supporting actor nomination. Pesci’s even-money competition is Andy Garcia for “The Godfather Part III.”

For best actress nods, Del Genio sees a dead heat between Joanne Woodward of “Mr. & Mrs. Bridge” and Meryl Streep for “Postcards From the Edge.”

Also breaking even for nominations for the supporting prize are Whoopi Goldberg from “Ghost” and Shirley MacLaine for “Postcards From the Edge.”