Best Director Predictions

1) Danny Boyle – “Slumdog Millionaire”
His films are usually not the type that Oscar wholly embraces. This is a bona fide crowd pleaser. It should see him through since the reviews are all praising him. He does pull it off. previous ranking: 2)



2) Chris Nolan – “The Dark Knight”
He is a very respected Director. All his main films, bar ‘Insomnia’ were nominated for Oscars in one or two categories. People love his work. He mixes mainstream with an indie artistic cred that get everyone on his side. This will happen for him.previous ranking: 1)



3) Gus Van Sant – “Milk”
Will ‘Milk’ be the film that melds his ideals with more mainstream friendly fare? Will the Academy want to reward him with a nom, not because he is due, but to prove, post ‘Brokeback’ that they are not a bunch of homophobes? Seems likely.previous ranking: 3)


4) David Fincher – “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
Even if the film is a let down they will have a hard time ignoring the work the man has put in. He has directed some of the most highly thought of films in the past 20 years (‘Se7en’, ‘Fight Club’, ‘Zodiac’). previous ranking: 5)


5) Darren Aronofsky – “The Wrestler”
For me, the man has not made a bad, or even ok film to date. This is supposed to be his best, and most accessible film. Expect this to go a long way in securing him year end kudos. But people have to see the film first.previous ranking: 6)


6) Ron Howard – “Frost/Nixon”
The man beat out Peter Jackson, Robert Altman, David Lynch and Ridley Scott in 2001. That should be reward enough. We will have to wait and see how the film is, but I think it will be about the actors, not the director. previous ranking: 12, 7)



7) Sam Mendes – ‘Revolutionary Road”
Will this be the big awards contender we thought a year ago? It has been hard for him to top his debut, but I am thinking directing his wife may have made him step up his game. The responce is just ok though.previous ranking: 7, 8)



8) Mike Leigh – Happy –Go-Lucky”
This film is going very well with critics, and although many thought most of the attention would focus on his star, most critics are pointing out how superb his direction is. He has surprised before..previous ranking: 8, 9)


9) Jonathan Demme – “Rachel Gettting Married”
A lot of the props for the film are going to Demme for his assured and clever direction. It will be interesting to see if the Academy notices the direction. It is not his usual style and that may confuse some voters.previous ranking: 9, 10)




10) Andrew Stanton - "WALL-E" How far fetched is this really?