1. Director

Isn’t it funny that my picks are very often films I have not seen – like There Will Be Blood or No Country. Maybe not funny, but um, interesting. Paul T. Anderson makes films that are masterful and powerful, even in a non-obvious way, and I am told There Will Be Blood is no different, in fact, it is not only Anderson’s masterpiece, but an instant classic. Anyone who can achieve that gets my vote. Oh wait, I have no vote. Joel and Ethan Coen have been renowned for their unique vision and diverse talent, even now that they have entered into mainstream acknowledgment. They have ridden the precursor wave all the way this season, and their DGA win puts them ahead of Anderson, in my books. Schnabel is an artiste, he created a visually and emotionally rewarding masterpiece, and he could win because of his sheer talent and his film’s Best Picture snub, or maybe not. Jason Reitman and Tony Gilroy can count their lucky stars that they were nominated, their careers will now get that boost the men deserve, if they ever plan to match any kind of artistry the other three nominees can. They, however, have no hope in hell of winning. Reitman’s film belongs to the women who helped create it, Page and Cody, I don’t even see what he could have added to the film. Gilroy played it kind of safe with Clayton, but it did pay off, he made a very good film. Do you know what I say? I hope we see some more women nominated in this category soon, seriously. Enough testosterone already, we get it, you guys can make brilliant films, now let’s see what they lady directors can do.

 Best Director: Joel and Ethan Coen – No Country For Old Men
Special Acknowledgement: Paul T. Anderson – There Will Be Blood