Final Oscar Nominations Predictions: Best Director & Best Picture

Predicted 5

Julian Schnabel - The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

He seems like a contender that's out of place, but the precursers say he's got to be in.

Sean Penn - Into the Wild

The Academy continues to prove that their love affair with actors who direct has not stopped. I don't think Penn will be the exception.

Joel Coen/Ethan Coen - No Country for Old Men

The only question for them is will they end up taking this award?

Tim Burton - Sweeney Todd

I'll admit that I'm just naming him based on pure hope, but I do have a feeling about him. Despite his DGA snubb (I'm still sore about that), he still has great reviews and a body of work to show for it. Also, remember Clint Eastwood last year?

Paul Thomas Anderson - There Will Be Blood

He's always been a celebrated writer, but his DGA nod suggests that it's time for recognition as director.

Possible Upset

Sidney Lemet - Before the Devil Knows You're Dead

Even though his buzz has pretty much died, he still can't be counted out. Old Hollywood and veteran voters have a way of sneeking in surprises along the way, and he could be one of them. I would expect that his name could possibly be called in place of Burton or even Anderson.

Predicted 5

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

I don't think people realize how quickly the buzz around this film has been gaining. A best director nomination is a sure bet, but I have a feeling about this film as well. I might be wrong, but it is a feeling.

Into the Wild

Even without a PGA nod, the strong support at other guilds, plus the love for Penn and Hirsch, should be enough to put it over the edge.

Michael Clayton

It didn't seem like a contender at first, but with sure fire nods for Best Actor, Supporting Actress and Supporting Actor, plus a possible screenplay nomination, this is certainly a movie to be considered in this category as well.

No Country for Old Men

A nomination is nothing to worry about. The only thing left is wondering if this really is going to be called a Best Picture Oscar winner.

There Will Be Blood

Strong support at many precursers show that this film will make the list.

Possible Upset

Juno

Juno has a better shot at getting a nomination, and many are thinking it will be called. It probably will be. However, I can't help feeling that the reminders of Little Miss Sunshine will be too great, and the Academy won't go for it again. It probably will be nominated, but this is a feeling of mine.