CHUD: 2011 OSCARS THREAD - Directing

While I think he's invariably going to end up the 21st centuries answer to Scorsese as far as being a perennial Oscar bridesmaid for his work, as tight as the race is this year for this one, I have to give this to Aronofsky. Throughout my watching of Black Swan I had that innate wonderful sense of being in the hands of an absolute master of the cinematic form. The Coens will always be massive favorites and I have a distinct suspicion that Fincher may walk off with this one, but if it were up to me, Aronofsky would be walking off with the gold come Monday.

I'm too torn between Fincher and Aronofsky to vote for either one.

And I have a feeling the Academy will feel the same and that we'll get an upset in this category. Hooper, probably. 

I've seen all those films, save for the fighter, and still think the award should go to Nolan. That said, Aronofsky's my second choice.

I haven't got around to seeing any of the nominees, so I can't comment.  But Danny Boyle really should have been nominated for 127 HOURS.  As should Nolan for INCEPTION.

If they have 10 best picture nominees, why not 10 best director. 

Even with the threat of a potential King's Speech sweep, I think this one goes to Fincher regardless.   He'd be my choice as well, although I certainly have no problem with Aronofsky winning.  And ignoring Nolan here was just criminal.

I kind of want Aronofsky to win, but I think O Russell probably deserves the nod for managing to turn the Fighter into something majestic. It's a fairly rote story but O Russell fills the film with energy and tons of great little touches. It's not a showy piece, but it's so well directed. 

I've only seen three of the five, but I'd also like Nolan to win. Given that, my ineffectual vote goes for KING'S SPEECH. Despite Nolan's exclusion, though, I'm very happy with all the nominations and don't think there's a truly "undeserving" person in the bunch.

The 1999 version me would have exploded (joyfully) if I were told that in 2011 Fincher, O'Russell, The Coens, and Aronofsky were all nominated for best director.

Should win:  The director who is not even nominated, Chris Nolan

Should win, pt. 2: David Fincher

Will win:  David Fincher (this is a really tough call since Tom Hooper won the DGA and The King's Speech could very well sweep considering how many nominations it landed, but I'm going with Fincher because it could be a way for the Academy to reward the movie they really love, The Kings Speech, but also reward the movie the critics love, The Social Network).