The nominees will be announced tomorrow morning and will paint a much clearer picture of the BP and BD races.

I think Scorsese and Hazanavicius are definitely in. They might snub Payne, but I don't think so. Allen is a four-time DGA nominee (won once before), so he might get in as well, but not necessarily. I expect Spielberg in the 4th spot since they have nominated him 10 times in the past (three wins).

So the fifth spot will remain between Allen, Malick, Miller and Fincher. I don't see Tate Taylor or Refn making the cut here.

I'm going with this line-up for now:

Hazanavicius
Scorsese
Payne
Spielberg
Fincher

With Fincher being replaced by Allen at the Oscars.

Tate Taylor is important here, I feel. If he gets in, The Help is perfectly placed to become a powerhouse and usurp The Artist.

I'm hoping Fincher gets in. Dragon Tattoo already has PGA + WGA + NBR, so a DGA nomination would seal the deal.

I agree with this.

Right now, I'm thinking Michel Hazanavicius, Martin Scorsese, Woody Allen, Alexander Payne and Steven Spielberg.

But if Tate Taylor makes it in here: I think The Help becomes the #2 contender for Best Picture.

Allen
Fincher
Hazanavicius
Scorsese
Spielberg

I don't see the Directors Guild going for Allen. They haven't recognized him since 1989's Crimes and Misdemeanors. Before then, it was only Annie Hall, Manhattan, and Hannah and Her Sisters. Arguably his four most acclaimed, popular films. They have never given him love for anything else, not Interiors, Broadway Danny Rose, Radio Days, Bullets Over Broadway, Mighty Aphrodite, etc. He is maybe too outside of their circle. I know Midnight in Paris has been very popular, but I still don't see them nominating him this year. Who knows, though?

I'll predict:

Hazanavicius
Payne
Scorsese
Spielberg
Taylor

And then it'll be a nice surprise for me if Fincher gets in.

I dunno, I think Midnight in Paris becoming his biggest box office success helps a lot.

Hoping for a Malick snub.