DGA nominations: David O. Russell in, Coen brothers out

The Directors Guild of America has announced its five nominees for best director of the year, and along with expected nominees David Fincher (The Social Network), Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech), Christopher Nolan (Inception), and Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan), The Fighter‘s David O. Russell edged out Joel and Ethan Coen of True Grit for the final spot. Last year the DGA matched the eventual Oscar nominees for Best Director 5-for-5, so today’s news is a great sign for Russell and the overall chances for The Fighter, which has only grossed half as much as True Grit at the box office so far. It’ll be a tight battle between Russell and the Coens for that fifth Best Director slot at the Oscars.