• Sean Baker, Anora

  • Baker did it all in this movie (producing, writing, editing, casting). Should that get him extra points here? Likely not. But this was a surprisingly fresh and entertaining flick. I mentioned earlier that this movie (and Ani's portrayal) have the support of the sex-worker community. I take that as a positive, recognizing my status as an outsider, but admirer of that particular union.

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• James Mangold, A Complete Unknown

  • Is this an aptronym? I mean, "Mangold"?!? Was he born expecting a $400 gold-plated statue?

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• Brady Corbet, The Brutalist

  • This was a ton of work. I wish it was 70% X 1 ton of work. No denying that this is a true epic that presented major themes of immigration, capitalism and artistic freedom. I would not begrudge Mssr. Corbet the statue despite wishing for -- what's the opposite of an Editor's Cut? Impatient Fanboy Version?​​

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• Jacques Audiard, Emilia Perez

  • Widely panned for not being trans, not being Mexican, not having made his fortune in the drug trade. Let that shit go, people. It was an audacious attempt at something original and creative. He succeeded in my thin, predictable book.

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• Coralie Fargeat, The Substance

  • Coralie may well win. If you were looking for something beyond the trope treadmill, Mme. Fargeat delivered. I will certainly re-watch this crazy cine more times than all of the other nominated movies this year (except maybe Anora...and not for the reason you think. Well, partially for that reason).