Clint Eastwood
For him: The DGA and several other critics awards have given him stronger momentum in these final days; voters love that he tackled euthanasia; glowing praise from his cast, who have been picking up a few awards of their own.
Against him: Voters may decide this is the year to finally reward Scorcese.
Odds: 3-2
Martin Scorcese
For him: Headed up the grandest of the Best Picture nominees; Last year’s loss to Roman Polanski was viewed by many as unjust; And just how is it possible that Martin Scorcese doesn’t have an Oscar?
Against him: Clint and four previous nods, no wins; he’s the Susan Lucci of the Academy Awards.
Odds: 3-1
Alexander Payne
For him: In the off chance that Eastwood and Scorcese split their vote, Payne would be the next to slip through.
Against him: this movie’s about the actors and the script, not the direction.
Odds: 8-1
Taylor Hackford
For him: Possibly riding the high off of Jamie Foxx’s Best Actor win.
Against him: It’s still Foxx’s movie.
Odds: 15-1
Mike Leigh
For him: It’s an honor just to be nominated; his Vera Drake wasn’t even nominated for Best Picture.
Against him: Vera Drake wasn’t even nominated for Best Picture
Odds: 20-1
From:
About me: “'But I don’t want to go among mad people,' Alice remarked. 'Oh, you can’t help that,' said the Cat. 'We’re all mad here. I’m mad. You’re mad.' 'How do you know I’m mad?' said Alice. 'You must be,” said the Cat, 'or you wouldn’t have come here.'” -Lewis Carroll