Oscar Predictions: Best Director

November 22nd Update.

With Monuments Men being pushed back to 2014, we have a few newcomers in the Top 10. With Rush failing to make an impact with American Audiences, Ron Howard falls out of the Top 5.

1. Steve McQueen- 12 Years a Slave

12 Years a Slave is being called the best movie about slavery ever made. McQueen missed out for Shame, but this film is too powerful to ignore. (Previously #1)

2. Alfonso Cuaron- Gravity

Gravity is a visual masterpiece and many reviews are comparing it to 2001: A Space Oddessy. He's a lock. It's between McQueen and Cuaron at this point. I have him 2nd right now because the Academy hasn't shown much love for Sci-Fi films in the past. (Previously #2)

3. Paul Greengrass- Captain Phillips

Captain Phillips was a big hit and looks to be a serious Oscar contender. Greengrass joins the Top 5 looking for his first nomination since United 93 in 2006.

4. David O. Russell- American Hustle

This is where things get interesting. Russel has been nominated for his last 2 films. If American Hustle is a hit, it could be 3 in a row. (Previously #3)

5. Martin Scorsese- The Wolf of Wall Street

Scorsese is one of the best directors of all time. He's already been nominated in this category 7 times. He needs to be considered for every movie he makes. I wouldn't count him out. (Previously #5)
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Other Possibilities

6. Joel and Ethan Coen- Inside Lleywn Davis (Previously #7)

7. Ron Howard- Rush (Previously #4)

8. Alexander Payne- Nebraska (Previously unranked)

9. Spike Jonze- Her (Previously #9)

10. John Lee Hancock- Saving Mr. Banks (Previously unranked)