The Directors Guild of America announced its film nominees for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in 2013. The field of five directors includes many of the expected names and also gives a boost to one surprising nominee.

Alfonso Cuaron, who directed the space thriller Gravity, is a favorite for the Best Director Oscar and leads the field of DGA nominees. Although he has acclaimed films like Children of Men under his belt, this is actually Cuaron’s first DGA nomination.

Paul Greengrass’ Oscar changes just got a huge lift with a DGA nomination. Greengrass directed Captain Phillips, starring Tom Hanks. He was previously nominated for an Oscar for United 93, but this is his first DGA nomination.

Steve McQueen is another first-time DGA nominee. He is up for 12 Years A Slave, widely considered the frontrunner for Best Picture at the Oscars.

David O.Russell was nominated for American Hustle. He was previously nominated for 2010’s The Fighter.

Last but not least is Martin Scorsese for The Wolf of Wall Street. It is his 11th DGA nod, but has only won it once, for 2006’s The Departed. His last nomination came for 2011’s Hugo. He did win a TV DGA award for Boardwalk Empire and the documentary award for George Harrison: Living in the Material World.

Jane Lynch has been tapped to host the awards, which will take place on Jan. 25 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles.

image: Warner Bros