Los Angeles (AFP)

The years go by and are not alike: castigated last year for having totally snubbed women in its nominations, the Hollywood Directors Association on Tuesday retained two female directors in its premier category, a first since the creation of these price in 1938.

Chloé Zhao for "Nomadland" and Emerald Fennell for "Promising Young Woman" respectively become the ninth and tenth women to compete for the prize for best feature film, awarded by the Association of American Directors (DGA).

This selection of great diversity is completed by the American Lee Isaac Chung, who drew inspiration from his South Korean origins for his film "Minari", by David Fincher ("Mank") and by Aaron Sorkin for the drama historical and judicial "The Seven of Chicago".

DGA awards are considered a good indicator of a film's chances of winning the Oscar for Best Director.

So far, only one woman has won the trophy for best feature film: Kathryn Bigelow for "Minesweepers," which turned the essay at the Oscars in 2009.

Last year, prestigious film awards - including the DGA and the Oscars - were strongly criticized for the absence of female directors in their selection, particularly that of Greta Gerwig for "Little Women".

The directors' association also unveiled its nominations for the first feature film award, which again include two women, Regina King for "One Night in Miami" and Radha Blank for "40 years, still in the flow".

French author and director Florian Zeller is also in the running in this category with "The Father".

The DGA will present its awards in a private and virtual ceremony on April 10, two weeks before the Oscars.

© 2021 AFP