The last two weeks I've been looking at the Oscar contenders. First I looked at the Best Picture picture and then moved on to the Best Actor and Actress categories. This week we look at the directors. Last year I didn't run down the director hopefuls but this year is a curious year because of how the Oscars have changed. In the past, there were cases where a director could get a nomination without their films being nominated for Best Picture. But now that there will be 10 Oscar nominees, I really, really think that the likelihood of that ever happening again are very slim.
10) Neill Blomkamp - District 9
If there is a chance of a director getting a nod without his film getting nominated then it might be Blomkamp. The Academy loves breakthrough directors and could reward the newcomer for his success. Don't underestimate the respect given to a director who can make a big summer blockbuster for around $34 million.
9) Pete Docter - Up
An animation director has never been nominated for Best Director. But one would think that a Pixar director could do it. Docter's UP is beloved so I'm sure he's on some people's minds, but he's an outside chance at best.
8) Lone Scherfig - An Education
For a while Scherfig was on many lists as one of the final five. Recently the buzz for the film has waned and so has the buzz for its helmer. And as unfair as it seems, I really doubt that we'll see two female directors nominated in the same year. And there is a woman higher on the list that is a lock.
7) Ethan and Joel Coen - A Serious Man
They're the Coen Brothers. Many think that their Oscar for NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN helped allow them to make this film. It's more likely they'll be nominated in the screenplay category, but their names alone put them in the race.
6) Clint Eastwood - Invictus
He's Clint Eastwood. He was nominated for the Golden Globe. He's Clint Eastwood. He made an inspiring film that will probably have multiple nominations after Feb. 2nd. Oh and did I mention that he's freakin' Clint Eastwood?
5) Lee Daniels - Precious
He's on the bubble right now. At one time his film was a leading contender to win, but the buzz has fallen since its release. Rumors say he's ruffed feathers in Hollywood, but his Director's Guild nomination is very promising. It's really a battle between him and Clint for the final slot. Let the best man win.
4) Quentin Tarantino - Inglourious Basterds
Tarantino is an Oscar winner, but not for director. He won Best Original Screenplay. He was nominated for PULP FICTION also as a director, but hasn't been back to the dance since. INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS is a director's film. His talent raises the material for sure. He won't win, but he will certainly be nominated.
3) Jason Reitman - Up in the Air
For a while there it looked like Hollywood's wunderkind was going to win, but things have changed. He still has a chance, but even since writing the Best Picture outlook two weeks ago, the chances have dropped quite a bit. The two horses in front of him are pulling ahead.
2) Kathryn Bigelow - The Hurt Locker
Ask me a month ago who was going to win Best Director, I would have said Bigelow for sure. She deserves it for one. The Academy can calm critics that no woman has ever won Best Director. She deserves it. Her film is still a major contender to win the big prize. And did I mention that she deserves it?
1) James Cameron - Avatar
For every dollar more this film makes until Oscar ballots are due makes Cameron a stronger bet. He won the Golden Globe now and he's a lock for a nomination. If this film breaks TITANIC's box office record before awards night, he wins. And if he calls himself the King of the World in his acceptance speech again, who can argue with that?
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
