Oscars 2020: 15 Insanely Early Predictions For Next Year's Academy Awards

4. Best Director: Martin Scorsese - The Irishman

Other Nominees: Greta Gerwig (Little Women), James Gray (Ad Astra), Marielle Heller (A Beautiful Day In The Neighbourhood), Quentin Tarantino (Once Upon A Time In Hollywood)

There are some big players here, and you can alrady feel that Tarantino vs Scorsese narrative building. Gerwig scored a nod for Lady Bird, so should be back again with an even more Oscars-friendly film, and the general lack of female nominations in this category is something members may be keen to address. Heller was a perceived snub this year for Can You Ever Forgive Me?, and A Beautiful Day In The Neighbourhood should correct that. It's the final spot that feels hardest to predict: If Ad Astra lives up to its potential, Gray should get in, but there's also Ang Lee for Gemini Man (it should be technically strong, and the Academy likes Lee), Tom Hooper for Cats, Lulu Wang for Sundance hit The Farewell, John Crowley for The Goldfinch, and Jordan Peele for Us, among others. It's tricky, in other words, to narrow down that fifth spot.

Still, it does feel like Tarantino vs Scorsese - a man the Academy have never awarded in this category vs a legendary director they've only done so once, and for the 'wrong' film. Gerwig and Heller could both have a chance if their films are good enough, but it's tough going up against two icons. There's also the fact Director and Picture more often go in different directions, so whatever is going to win Best Picture isn't necessarily favourite here. To that end, I think this is where the Academy will reward The Irishman the most, like with Alfonso Cuarón and Roma. It's reportedly going to be a great technical feat, but also a major return to form - and to his roots - for the director too. It's a last hurrah for the old gang, and Scorsese is the most reliable of those involved with its production.