The Nominees

Ava DuVernay, Selma

Richard Linklater, Boyhood

Wes Anderson, The Grand Budapest Hotel

David Fincher, Gone Girl

Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Birdman

David Fincher is the easiest one to strike off the list. I’m not even sure how he got on it in the first place, except that he’s the kind of director people feel confident in nominating. He’s David Fincher! He does arty, interesting things! Just not this time.

It paints me to say this, but I think Wes Anderson’s my next victim. Love the movie, but it’s not terribly important and it’s always been easy for voters to ignore him no matter how good his stuff is.

The last three are the problem. I feel like I keep saying that. I mean, if it was up to me, I’d let Linklater go. I feel guilty saying that because he made this “achievement” in cinema, but I felt like it was more of an achievement and less something I actually would choose to rewatch.

Inarritu’s Birdman was undoubtedly one of my favourite movies this year and I think he really shook things up and reminded us all of what is possible. I don’t think his chances of winning are overly good, deserving as he may be.

Ava DuVernay has made a masterpiece that will still be watched and loved and appreciated 20 years from now. She made it lovingly, truthfully, and skillfully. And I think they’re going to give it Linklater anyway.