Oscar’s directing race allows for just 5 nominees, and it’s already standing room only.
Four high-profile filmmakers, whose movies are all potential best picture contenders, look like they could land noms:
* Steven Spielberg for his semi-autobiographical drama THE FABELMANS (Universal/Amblin) with Michelle Williams & Seth Rogen. Among Spielberg’s many Oscar & DGA noms: WEST SIDE STORY in 2022; LINCOLN in 2013; & SAVING PRIVATE RYAN (a DGA win) in 1999.
* Martin Scorsese for his historical crime drama KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON (Paramount/Apple TV+) with Leonardo Di Caprio & Robert De Niro. Scorsese’s many Oscar & DGA noms include THE IRISHMAN in 2020; THE WOLF OF WALL STREET in 2014; & in 2007 a double win for THE DEPARTED.
* Sam Mendes for his romantic drama EMPIRE OF LIGHT (Searchlight Pictures) with Colin Firth & Olivia Colman. In 2020, Mendes was Oscar-nominated for 1917 & won the DGA. His first film, the Oscar best picture winner AMERICAN BEAUTY, brought him the directing Oscar & DGA in 2000.
* Damien Chazelle (pictured) for his drama about moviemaking, BABYLON (Paramount) with Margot Robbie, Brad Pitt & Tobey Maguire. Chazelle won the Oscar & DGA in 2017 for LA LA LAND.