Steven Spielberg, “The Fabelmans”

Todd Field, “Tár” Rian Johnson, “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery”

Martin McDonagh, “The Banshees of Inisherin” Sam Mendes,

“Empire of Light”

It’s been 24 years since Steven Spielberg found himself accepting an Oscar. He’s now the favorite to win his third director prize. But there are others who haven’t won yet (notably Todd Field, Rian Johnson, Sarah Polley) on his heels.