So it's that time of the year when we start to think about golden statues, red carpets and all things Oscar. I make no secret of the fact that I really enjoy all the hoop-la over The Academy Awards and while as a TV lover the Emmys are a great show you just can't beat the classic history and global phenomenon that is the Oscar ceremony.Personally I think there are more films, directors, actors, actresses and others up for awards that have really captured my attention this year than there have been for sometime. So today let's take a look at the possible contenders for Best Director at the 82nd Academy Awards.
Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker
A four star movie for me full of tight and precise performances directed with confidence and class when dealing with such sensitive subject matter. Not my pick for the category but if she won it would make up for the Academy passing her by in 1991 for Point Break ;-).
Jane Campion, Bright Star
Another movie to get four stars when I reviewed this back in October. I am no particular fan of Campion's work but the skill at hand in the telling of this story was evident to the most casual of film fan.
James Cameron, Avatar
If you haven't heard about this movie yet then you must be from the planet on which the whole shebang takes place! Released at the end of next week this surely has to be seen on an Imax screen to appreciate what Cameron is reported to have done for the average multiplex frequenter. In the end though I don't see another 'king of the world' speech from Mr C (thank goodness).
Joel and Ethan Coen, A Serious Man
I haven't caught this one yet but you are hard pressed to argue against the quality the Cohen Brothers turn out on a regular basis. Supposedly a return to form after the dreadful Burn After Reading this should be a safe bet for a nomination.
Lee Daniels, Precious
What can you say about this movie that hasn't already been said? A tour de force from start to finish Daniel's direction of his two leads was strong to say the least and for drawing out the startling performances we saw from Mo'Nique and Gabourey Sidibe he might well come away with the prize.
Clint Eastwood, Invictus
Good old Clint. This has nomination written all over it but does it have Best Director? I will certainly see it at some point but from the trailer I'm not sure it's going to beat the competition.
Peter Jackson, The Lovely Bones
The slimmed down Jackson could well come up trumps with this heartbreaking but beautifully shot movie. The man has a unique touch that I think will be especially felt in a film dealing with such difficult subject matter.
Jason Reitman, Up in the Air
The buzz about this film hasn't stopped since TIFF. I will be there with bells on when this is released on December 25th due to the fact that the buzz over this movie seems to be 100% justified.
Lone Scherfig, An Education
A real outside contender this one. Dane Lone Scherfig directs from Nick Hornby's screenplay about a teenage girl in suburban 1960's London. I think the populist subject matter gets people's attention but I'm not sure how much the direction can shine in the kind of company Scherfig is in this year.
Quentin Tarantino, Inglourious Basterds
I would love to see Tarantino get a nod for what was my favorite of his movies to date. Basterds was directed with such skill and seeming ease that it was really for me the work of a director who in Star Wars terms has stopped trying and has come to understand The Force! I see a nomination but sadly not a win from the Academy (might he have a better chance at the Golden Globes? Perhaps).
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