2. Coen Bros - Best Director For Inside Llewyn Davis
Likely Winner: The Coen brothers, for their upcoming and sure-to-be-awesome Inside Llewyn Davis. The Coens have a ridiculous amount of Oscar nominations under their belt, and yet only four wins (only one of which was for Directing). Although in an almost tie for first place would be Steve McQueen for his Twelve Years a Slave. It will be his third feature film, and his previous two were both met with acclaim, but no Academy Award nominations to date yet. Shame.
Other Top Choices: George Clooney for Monuments Men. While his directing career is rather hit-or-miss, this one seems a good shot at getting him an award, or at the very least a nomination. Also a likely candidate would be David O. Russell for his 11th film, American Hustle. Russell has been nominated not only for his directorial work, but also his screenwriting, so he seems a pretty obvious choice.
Long Shot: John Lee Hancock, who will be directing Saving Mr. Banks. While having made the highly successful The Blind Side, he's had more misses than hits. And now the one you've all been waiting for....