Outstanding Directorial Achievement award: Who will win?

Ballerinas, boxers and Harvard dropouts.

With Awards season looming, certain box office hits are beginning to stand out above the rest.

The Directors Guild of America announced its five nominees for Outstanding Directorial Achievement award.

“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,” DGA President Taylor Hackford said.

The five feature films in the running are:

Darren Aronofsky’s first nomination is for his psychological thriller, “Black Swan,” which stars Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis.

David Fincher’s “The Social Network,” starring Jessie Eisenberg, marks the director’s second nomination. He was previously nominated in 2008 for “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.”

Tom Hooper’s “The King’s Speech,” starring Colin Firth, earned the director his first nomination.

Christopher Nolan is being nominated for “Inception,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Nolan was previously nominated in 2001 for “Memento,” and again in 2008 for “The Dark Knight.”

First time nominee David O. Russell’s “The Fighter,” stars Mark Wahlberg.
The 63rd annual DGA Awards will take place on January 29.