2. Ang Lee Or David O. Russell Beat Steven Spielberg For Best Director
Many think this category is a foregone conclusion. With no Ben Affleck, Spielberg is expected to bag his third Best Director Oscar. Many believe this will be the consolation prize for the acclaimed filmmaker, as hell win Best Director but miss out on Best Picture yet again. However, an upset may be brewing. Controversy has erupted over the accuracy of Lincoln. Moreover, Ang Lees Life of Pi has received a tremendous amount of technical and craft nominations. Lee has been credited with filming an unfilmable project. The movie, regardless of your feelings toward it, is a visual wonder. Life of Pi employs epic visual effects, grandiose cinematography and extraordinary sound to create a world of wonder unlike many have experienced in recent times. Meanwhile, David O. Russells Silver Linings Playbook has the respect of many actors for the wonderful performances and the intense yet freeing direction style of the filmmaker. Lee and Russell could cause upsets. My bet is still on Spielberg though.