Best Director... or is it Best Directors?

To me, this is a toss-up between the Brothers Coen, P.T. Anderson, and Anyone But Jason Reitman.

Personally, I'm a humongous fan of Anderson and I thought he raised his game with "Blood" -- not a wasted shot in the whole movie.  As I said earlier, the way the Coens' tell a story without saying a word is brillant.  And all of them use violence to say something without shouting.

I also would have a full heart if Julian Schanbel snuck in with a win.  "Diving Bell" -- perhaps more than any other in any category tonight -- lives and dies on its director's choices.  To me, it not only lived, it danced and sang.  It was the most original vision I've seen on a screen in many, many years.

And the winner is...

The Coen's... looks like I have to come up with some alternate headlines for tomorrow...

How about... "There may be 'No Country for Old Men,' but there were plenty of Oscars!" or "Yes Oscars for 'No Country'" or "No Country but Gold Men"

You think I'm kidding, but I'll bet you dollars to doughnuts, these show up someplace.

Also--

Oh wow, they're plowing right through to Best Picture! Yikes!