LEE
CLOONEY
HAGGIS
SPIELBERG
MILLER
& GOOD LUCK
DGA, the most
reliable
precursor in
this category.
He also has
the year's
most
acclaimed film
on his hands.
George
Clooney. He
scored critical
hosannahs with
this period
drama in
addition to his
performance in
"Syriana."
drama scored
the best
reviews of any
film from the
year's first
half. It
provoked a
national
discussion.
director found
his film winning
award after
award as the
precursor
season kicked
into high gear.
He's a critical
favorite.
precursor odds,
Spielberg
found himself
in the
nominees'
circle yet again
for one of his
most serious
projects.
The last time
Lee won the
DGA award
("Crouching
Tiger") he lost
the Oscar to
Steven
Soderbergh
("Traffic").
soon? After
failing to gain
Oscar traction
with any of his
previous
efforts, there's
no rush to
reward him the
first time out.
detractors fault
the film for
both its
simplicity and
bluntness. A
screenplay
nom (and win)
will have to
suffice.
drawn fire from
both sides of
the Israel-
Palestinian
divide over its
depiction of
terrorism.
Controversy
isn't good.
favorite, yes,
but way too
young and
unknown.
Judging by the
film, he'll have
a rewarding
career ahead
of him.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
He narrowly missed this year, although certainly deserving.
WOODY ALLEN, Match Point
The film never really caught traction after a strong start.
JAMES MANGOLD, Walk the Line
Well, they nominated Taylor Hackford for "Ray."
FERNANDO MEREILLES, The Constant Gardener
Lots of Globe support, but no Oscar love.
RON HOWARD, Cinderella Man
It was an epic, baity achievement, but too many PR issues.
PETER JACKSON, King Kong
11 Oscars in 2003 may have been enough.
NOAH BAUMBACH, The Squid and the Whale
The screenplay nod will suffice.
