Note: I have covered this category in depth, discussing each of the eight nominees individually, here.

Will Win: Boyhood

Could Win: Birdman

Should Win: Boyhood

Boyhood is the film to beat this year. It garnered almost universal critical acclaim, and now it is racking up the awards. Birdman is the only real competition, having won the Producer’s Guild of America award. However, the Michael Keaton movie has been overlooked in many award ceremonies this year, namely at the Golden Globes. Boyhood was a crazy experiment in cinema that turned out great, and Richard Linklater deserves the recognition.