Directors Guild of America Awards: Ridley Scott and Alejandro González Iñárritu among nominees

While most awards season ceremonies focus on acting talent, the Directors Guild of America Awards are all about the filmmakers.

This year’s nominees, announced just one day before the Oscars shortlist is revealed, include high-profile names such as Ridley Scott and Alejandro González Iñárritu.

Regarded a strong indicator for the Oscars, the DGA awards have shortlisted five very different directors this year.

Scott is in the running for his sci-fi drama The Martian, while previous winner Iñárritu is up for frontrunner The Revenant.

Adam McKay, who is better known for his bawdy comedies including Anchorman and Step Brothers, has been nominated for The Big Short.

Tom McCarthy has been given a nod for Spotlight, while George Miller has also been recognised for Mad Max: Fury Road.

Noticeable omissions from the list include Todd Haynes, who was expected to be nominated for Carol and Steven Spielberg for Bridge of Spies.

As well as being nominated, Iñárritu will also present the award as he won last year for Birdman.

The winner will be announced on February 6.