[HairOfTheDog]

As much as I would love to see him win the Oscar for direction I don't think he has a chance.

I not only think he has a chance, I hope and expect it! I will be really dissappointed if it doesn't win Picture and Director, to acknowledge and reward the sheer magnitude of the three films.

[grellis]

I think the fact that "Return" is, essentially, the third installment of one large film swings it in his favor. It wouldn't be the first time the acadamy gave an award for a previous accomplishment. I think that explains Russel Crowe's winning for "Gladiator" when he was more deserving of the Oscar for "LA Confidential" or that smoking movie he was in (brain fart! Forgot the name). However, I've lost pretty much all respect for the academy since "The English Patient."