Pro: After two near-nominations for "The Dark Knight" and Best Picture nominee "Inception," Christopher Nolan is largely perceived as due some recognition from the Academy. Warner Bros. is of course aware of this, having been with him every step of the way, and will look to play off that sense of goodwill for the director, who single-handedly changed the industry's perspective on blockbuster filmmaking. And the best way to finally tip that hat is to honor the franchise that put him on their map.

Con: But then again, see: "The Avengers." "The Dark Knight" proved they weren't that eager to award this kind of material and the third installment is largely regarded as a lesser piece of work. It also gets eclipsed a little bit by the fact that "The Avengers" dominated the box office this year (not that this one didn't do mighty fine itself). Nolan's day will come, but it won't likely be this year.

- Kristopher Tapley