The Directors Guild of America just announced its nominees for its 2010 award, and among the chosen were James Cameron for 'Avatar,' Lee Daniels for 'Precious,' Jason Reitman for 'Up in the Air,' Quentin Tarantino for 'Inglourious Basterds' and Kathryn Bigelow for 'The Hurt Locker.'

History was made with Daniels' nomination. He became the first African American to receive a nomination by the DGA.

The Philadelphia native seemed like the surprise of the bunch since many had expected the other four to get a nod and perennial nominee Clint Eastwood to grab the fifth slot for 'Invictus.'

According to the awards predictor site Goldderby, Eastwood won two of his three DGA bids ('Unforgiven,' 'Million Dollar Baby') and was feted with the lifetime achievement prize by the guild three years ago. The Producers Guild of America (PGA) nominated 'Invictus,' and he is contending at the Globes. Relative newcomer Daniels was snubbed by the Globes for his direction of 'Precious,' a performance-driven picture that lacks the flashy flourishes of other contenders.

Cameron won the DGA award with his only other bid in 1997 for 'Titanic.' The other four nominees are rookies in this race.

The DGA winner is a big boost to win at the Oscars. Since the DGA began handing out awards in 1949, the winning director has gone on to take home the Oscar with six exceptions, the last being in 2002 when Roman Polanski won for 'The Pianist' instead of DGA winner Rob Marshall for 'Chicago.'

The winner will be revealed on Jan. 30 at the DGA's 62nd annual awards gala.