The Nominees:

• Richard Linklater — Boyhood
• Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu — Birdman
• Bennett Miller — Foxcatcher
• Wes Anderson — The Grand Budapest Hotel
• Morten Tyldum — The Imitation Game

Will Win: Richard Linklater

Could Win: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu

Should Win: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu

Of the major categories, this is possibly the one with the most competition. There are three major players in this race, and they all have a pretty good chance of winning. I do think that Richard Linklater will pull this one out, just out of the sake of his dedication and vision. I really loved Inarritu’s unique directorial style, especially with cinematographic choices, but Linklater’s project is too massive and innovative for the Academy to pass up. Wes Anderson has also weaseled his way into the conversation by winning one of the Golden Globe Best Picture categories. The level of careful attention he put into The Grand Budapest Hotel shows clearly on the screen through great scripting and his signature mise-en-scene. All three of these films have a shot in my opinion, but Linklater should seal this.