Michel Hazanavicius sure to take home Best Director Oscar for 'The Artist'

This year's Oscar nominees for best director include three old masters, one critical darling and a near-total unknown. Oddly enough, the latter is leading the pack. Here's how the race is shaping up:

THE DIRECTOR Terrence Malick, "The Tree of Life"

THE DEAL The legendary director of "Days of Heaven" and other masterworks was bound to get a nomination -- though probably not a win -- for this adventurous art film.

THE DIRECTOR Woody Allen, "Midnight in Paris"

THE DEAL This was Allen's highest-grossing release ever -- yep, higher than "Annie Hall," for which he already won this award. A repeat seems like a long shot, though he's likely to win for original screenplay.

THE DIRECTOR Alexander Payne, "The Descendants"

THE DEAL The director of "Sideways" and "Election" is beloved among critics and film-industry types, but the buzz around his latest film has focused mostly on its star, George Clooney.

THE DIRECTOR Martin Scorsese, "Hugo"

THE DEAL A win seems unlikely, but not impossible: Scorsese won the Golden Globe for directing this family film, and it leads the Oscar nominations with 11 in all.

THE DIRECTOR Michel Hazanavicius, "The Artist"

THE DEAL A French director known at home mostly for light comedies, Hazanavicius recently won the top award at the Directors Guild of America -- a surefire predictor of this Oscar.