'Black Swan', 'The Social Network' among Directors Guild nominees

Xinhua, January 11, 2011

"Black Swan" director Darren Aronofsky and David Fincher, director of "The Social Network," were among the filmmakers nominated by the Directors Guild of America (DGA) for 2011 annual awards, DGA President Taylor Hackford announced on Monday.

Tom Hooper, who directed "The King's Speech," Christopher Nolan for "Inception," and David O.Russell for "The Fighter," were also honored for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film.

"2011 marks the 75th anniversary of the DGA, making the celebration of this year's five nominees especially meaningful," said Hackford. "Their inspired films radiate the passion and unique vision of each of these filmmakers, who are about to become part of our Guild's rich history."

The DGA Award has traditionally served as one of the industry's most accurate barometers for who will win the Best Director Academy Award. Only six times since the DGA Awards began in 1948 has the Feature Film winner not gone on to win the corresponding Academy Award.

The 63rd annual DGA award will be presented Jan. 29 at Grand Ballroom of Hollywood and Highland in downtown Los Angeles.