Golden Globe Nominees: Best Director – Motion Picture

My predictions 4/5, picking Tom Hooper over Ang Lee
Who’s missing? Paul Thomas Anderson (The Master), Tom Hooper (Les Miserables), David O. Russell (Silver Linings Playbook)

This category is a big slap in the face to Tom Hooper, who was nominated for “The King’s Speech” in 2010 and went on to win the Oscar. “Les Miserables” is clearly one of the movies of the year, and apparently voters aren’t interested in rewarding him for what looks to be a luxurious effort (I still haven’t seen it). Taking his place, technically, is Ang Lee (Life of Pi), who was least likely of the nominees to appear, though he is a Globe favorite with two previous wins. Both Kathryn Bigelow (Zero Dark Thirty) and Quentin Tarantino (Django Unchained) have been here before, actually up against each other last in 2009 (James Cameron won). This is the eleventh nomination in this category for Steven Spielberg (Lincoln), and his first since “Munich” in 2005. Joining the veterans is newbie Ben Affleck (Argo), a past acting nominee and screenplay winner. Quite a list, and also all nominated for Best Motion Picture – Drama.

Who could win? My money is on Affleck, but that could change.