The Academy is trying to avoid any political fallout by not selecting American Sniper or Selma. Instead, it will likely get it from Liberals (for Selma) and the rest of America (for American Sniper).
Plus also in regards to the later, in regards to “American Sniper”, with the criminal court trial going on in TX for the double murders of Chris Kyle and his friend, I sense that the Oscars DO NOT want to interfere with the jury outcome of the court trial.