Peter Jackson (THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING) appears to be the leading contender among the five DGA nominees for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film for 2003. The other nominees, announced by Directors Guild of America President Michael Apted, are: Sophia Coppola (LOST IN TRANSLATION), Clint Eastwood (MYSTIC RIVER), Gary Ross (SEABISCUIT) and Peter Weir (MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD). Ross' entry is considered a surprise, beating out both Anthony Minghella (COLD MOUNTAIN) and Ed Zwick (THE LAST SAMURAI).

The winner will be named at the 56th Annual DGA Awards Dinner on Feb. 7 at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles.