Alternative Oscars: The Nominees & Winners For Every Category

3. Best Director

WINNER: Damien Chazelle (La La Land)

Any of these five nominees would've been more than worthy winners, but Damien Chazelle's mastery of cinematic space and ambitious step-up from his debut Whiplash makes him the decisive victor here.

He exhibits such smooth control over such an elaborate production, tying all aspects neatly together into a sonically and visually intoxicating experience that's infectiously charming and technically astounding.

At just 32 years of age, it's nothing short of mind-boggling how skilled this on-the-rise artist is.

RUNNERS-UP:

2. Denis Villeneuve (Arrival)

3. Martin Scorsese (Silence)

4. Kenneth Lonergan (Manchester by the Sea)

5. Barry Jenkins (Moonlight)