Best Director:
JB:
Will Win: Alfonso Cuarón, Gravity
Should Win: Alfonso Cuarón, Gravity
Here’s another easy one to call. Alfonso Cuarón has been the clear favorite for his incredible work on Gravity, a technical masterpiece that shows his artistry in every frame. Not only did he dominate the critics’ awards (including the Critics’ Choice), but he also won the Golden Globe, DGA, and BAFTA. Of course, the most important of these was his win from the Directors Guild of America, which alone gives him an 89% chance of winning the Best Director Oscar (that’s how often the two match up). His other wins are just icing on the cake. This will be a very easy win for him on Oscar night, one that will be most deserved.
JA:
Will Win: Alfonso Cuarón, Gravity
Should Win: Alfonso Cuarón, Gravity
Although Oscar splits between director and picture are rare – it did occur last year, but likely would not have if Affleck got a directing berth – most of the momentum is behind Cuarón. Academy members who were not crazy about Gravity were still likely stunned by the major technical achievements the Mexican filmmaker spent many years striving to pull off, alongside collaborator (and hopeful cinematography winner) Emmanuel Lubezki. The sci-fi survivalist epic looked authentic and completely realized. The difficulty he had making the film has been well documented, too. Gravity’s groundbreaking achievements were Cuarón’s job and he sets the bar high. It should not be too hard for Academy voters in that branch to realize the virtuoso filmmaking present.
IF:
Will Win: Alfonso Cuarón, Gravity
Should Win: Alfonso Cuarón, Gravity
No competition here. In a weaker year, I’d love to give it to Alexander Payne for painting such a delicate, beautiful picture in Nebraska, but Cuarón’s accomplishments in Gravity are truly groundbreaking. That I never questioned the film’s space setting or massive scale is a testament to the director’s visionary brilliance. But let’s be honest here – Cuarón had Best Director in the bag as soon as voters saw his gripping, unbroken 17-minute opening shot.