Hathaway's "Les Miserables" role made her a better human.

CNN: Overheard backstage at the Oscars

When Affleck was snubbed for a directing slot, awards analysts initially were counting "Argo" out for the best-picture Oscar, along with Kathryn Bigelow's "Zero Dark Thirty" and Tom Hooper's "Les Miserables, " which also missed out on directing nominations.

NPR: 'Argo,' Lawrence, Day-Lewis Win At SAG

"Zero Dark Thirty's" Bigelow, "Les Miserables' " Hooper and "Argo's" Affleck were all nominated for Directors Guild of America Awards , usually a sure sign of an Oscar nomination, but all fell short with the academy.

CNN: 'Lincoln' leads Oscar race with 12 nominations