21.  He has the prestige of a best director Oscar and the star-power bankability of a Steven Spielberg or Tom Cruise.

22.  He won best director and best picture Oscars and got his only acting nomination for Unforgiven.

23.  Howard also won for best director.

24.  How do you make the best film without the best director?

25.  Ian Holm was named best actor for his Lear in a Royal National Theater production for which Richard Eyre was named best director.

26.  If there is one sure thing this year, many believe, it is that Soderbergh will get a nomination for best director.

27.  In June, it won national awards for best movie, best director, best actress and best photography.

28.  In November, she won the coveted annual Evening Standard award for best director.

29.  In only two categories, best actress and best director, does there seem to be an agreement about the likely winners.

30.  In fact, the film recently won five Australian Film Institute awards, including one for best director.