The Oscar omens got better for Chicago director Rob Marshall yesterday when he was the surprise winner at the Directors' Guild of America (DGA) awards.
Marshall, a choreographer turned first-time director, beat favourite Martin Scorsese, as well as Roman Polanski, Peter Jackson and Stephen Daldry to bag the best director gong, which is seen by industry watchers as a key indicator for the Oscars. Since the DGA Award's inception in 1949, there have only been five occasions when has the winner not gone on to receive the Academy Award for best director.
Marshall's film, Chicago - which has now made $105m at the US box office - was also named best picture at the Producers Guild of America awards last night. The movie's producer, Martin Richards, won the producer of the year award beating competition from Adaptation, Gangs of New York, The Two Towers, My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Road to Perdition.
Chicago is now a clear favourite to win the best picture at the Oscars, which take place on March 23. The film has 13 nominations.
