The Films

The Aviator

The Aviator is Martin Scorsese's three-hour long epic of the mythical figure of Howard Hughes and his duelling loves of airplanes, motion pictures, and women. Focusing on Hughes' early years from 1930-1947, the film portrays Hughes as a young and feisty filmmaker and visionary aircraft maker, while hinting at the madness that would go on to plague and ultimately destroy Hughes in his later years. The film is a visual wonder, with fantastic Art Deco sets and costumes, spectacular flying and crash scenes, and an intense performance from Leonardo DiCaprio.

Why It'll Win: With three Golden Globes under its belt, Las Vegas oddsmakers say the Aviator appears ready to soar at the Oscars.

Why It Won't: Call is the Scorsese Curse, but none of the classic films that the legendary director has made has ever won an Oscar for Best Picture. What's more, critics have complained that The Aviator, while spectacular is somehow shallow. If the Academy agrees, the more engaging Million Dollar Baby could sweep in and steal the prize.

Total nominations: 11
Best Picture
Directing
Writing (Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen)
Actor in a Leading Role
Actress in a Supporting Role
Actor in a Supporting Role
Art Direction
Cinematography
Costume Design
Film Editing
Sound

Other major awards/nominations:

BAFTA: (nominated) Best Achievement in Special Visual Effects; Best Cinematography; Best Costume Design; Best Editing; Best Film; Best Make Up/Hair; Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role; Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role (Alan Alda); Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role ( Cate Blanchett); Best Production Design; Best Screenplay (Original); Best Sound; Anthony Asquith Award for Film Music; David Lean Award for Direction (awards to be handed out Feb. 12).

Directors Guild of America:(nominated) Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures (awards to be handed out Jan. 29).

Golden Globes: (won) Best Motion Picture - Drama; Best Original Score - Motion Picture; Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama (nominated) Best Director - Motion Picture; Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture; Best Screenplay - Motion Picture

Screen Actors Guild Awards: (nominated) Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture; Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role; Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role (awards to be handed out Feb. 5).

Official site: http://www.miramax.com/aviator/