I'm super-impressed with this guy; he has directed three shorts, all in different genres, with completely unique styles, and they're all outstanding works.
The first one, "Fifty Percent Grey", done when he was 23 years old, won an Oscar nomination for best animated short film, but it pales in comparison to his next two films, "The Silent City" and "Blinky".
The guy is so disgustingly talented that even his freaking commercials are cool;
First off I agree completely with Marc Webb and look forward to seeing what he can do with the Spider-Man reboot. secondly Tomas Alfredson as Tinker, Tailor, Soldier Spy was terrific (best picture snub for sure). I also second Armando Iannucci for In the Loop.
My picks:
J.C. Chandor - Margin Call (also the writer) Jonathan Levine - 50/50 Scott Frank - The Lookout Daniel Barber - Harry Brown Tom Hanks - That Thing You Do! (surprised we haven't seen a second directorial effort from him)