Tuesday, February 22
The Race for Best Director
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
 
posted by Jessica at 4:08 PM | Permalink |