Maybe the Best Director snub is actually helping the film’s chances.

The awards season is shaping up nicely, with surprises at every step. I was one of those people outraged that Ben Affleck was snubbed for a best director Oscar nomination, because based on history, that would mean it was nigh-on-impossible for Argo to go on to win best picture. But could this be a year for history in the making?

Argo has certainly picked up some late-season steam after winning the Golden Globes for best director and best picture (drama), followed by the Darryl F Zanuck award at the Producers Guild Awards and the SAG award for outstanding cast. There’s always so much talk about early front-runners stumbling at the final hurdle, but Argo could be creating some much-needed momentum when it comes to final voting.

It will be an Oscars with only a few sure bets (such as Daniel Day-Lewis for best actor), which makes for an entertaining ceremony. And given Seth MacFarlane’s gags on nominations day, there could be some funny quips (along with a few cringes).

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