Oscar odds: Best Director

Just once, it would be great to see one of these guys climb the steps, step to the mike, look at his Oscar and say, "I don't know how I won this with all the goddamn prima donnas on my set ... "

BEST DIRECTOR:
Martin Scorsese, "The Aviator": As good as directing Larry David in that one "Curb Your Enthusiasm" episode? Of course not. But any man who gave us "After Hours" can't be dismissed, especially with the "lifetime achievement" campaign in full swing. ODDS: 3-to-1.
Clint Eastwood, "Million Dollar Baby": Anyone who expected Dirty Harry to get nominated for directing not once, not twice, but three times ... well, let's have those Powerball numbers, please. ODDS: 4-to-1.
Taylor Hackford, "Ray": Admit it ... you thought Jamie Foxx would get nominated for this, too. ODDS: 20-to-1.
Alexander Payne, "Sideways": Who didn't love "Election," even if it unleashed Chris Klein on the world? ODDS: 8-to-1.
Mike Leigh, "Vera Drake": It's a topsy-turvy world we live in, but not that topsy-turvy. ODDS: 25-to-1.