Director Christopher Nolan has been nominated for helming one of 2008's biggest blockbusters, "The Dark Knight," at this year's Directors Guild of America awards.

Nolan will be competing against four other directors of leading films: Ron Howard for "Frost/Nixon," David Fincher for "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," Gus Van Sant for "Milk," and DGA awards nominee newbie, Danny Boyle for "Slumdog Millionaire."

With the exception of six DGA awards' since the start in 1948, the winner of the main prize usually also wins at the Academy Awards.

The 61st DGA awards will be held on January 31 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel.