Awards season is now well underway, with The Brutalist and Emilia Perez the big winners at the Golden Globes earlier this month.
All eyes are now on the BAFTA Film Awards in February, with the shortlists released this week and the ceremony scheduled for Sunday, February 16.
Meanhile the Oscars, the world’s most prestigious film awards, will be held on Sunday, March 2, with the nominees announced on Thursday, January 23. They had originally been planned for Friday, January 17, but were delayed due to the LA fires.
Here are the bookies’ favourites for the Best Director when it is presented at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
5. James Mangold - A Complete Unknown
James Mangold is priced at 20/1 for the Best Director gong for Bob Dylan biopic 'A Complete Unknown'. Timothee Chalamet has been tipped for the Best Actor award for his portrayal of the singing star. Should the Oscar shortlist follow the odd (unlikely) then he'll complete the five director shortlist. | Contributed
6. Ridley Scott - Gladiator 2
British director Ridley Scott was a losing nominee for Best Director for the original Gladiator, which ended up winning Best Picture. He's a 25/1 shot to go one better with the sequel, starring Paul Mescal. | Contributed
7. Denis Villeneuve - Dune: Part Two
Another sequel by another legendary director. Denis Villenueve is also priced at 25/1 to win Best Director for his concluding part of the 'Dune' saga. | Contributed
8. Jon M. Chu - Wicked
Musical 'Wicked' has been a hige box office hit - with part two till to come later this year. Jon M. Chu is a 33/1 outsider for Best Director, but will have another shot at the 2026 ceremony. | Contributed