DIRECTOR

PAUL THOMAS ANDERSON | “There Will Be Blood”

The 37-year-old writer-director earns his first director nomination for his epic tale of greed and ambition. Anderson also received a nomination for his adapted screenplay -- based on Upton Sinclair’s novel “Oil!” -- and as a producer in the best film category. Anderson previously netted Academy Award nominations for his original screenplays for 1997’s “Boogie Nights” and 1999’s “Magnolia.” Anderson, who is nominated for Directors Guild of America and Writers Guild of America awards for the film, is also nominated for three BAFTAs.

JOEL AND ETHAN COEN | “No Country for Old Men”

Joel, 53, and Ethan, 50, are the first sibling directing team to receive an Oscar nomination in the director category. Joel Coen was previously nominated in this category for 1996’s Fargo,” with both brothers winning the Oscar for their screenplay. The Coens are also nominated for adapted screenplay, for editing under their pseudonym “Roderick Jaynes,” and as producers of the best film contender. Nominated for DGA and WGA awards, the Coens won a Golden Globe for their screenplay.

TONY GILROY | “Michael Clayton”

The veteran screenwriter, 51, of the “Bourne” thrillers receives an Academy Award nomination for director for his debut in the chair. Gilroy also received an Oscar nomination for his original screenplay. Gilroy is nominated for DGA and WGA awards, as well as a BAFTA for his screenplay.

JASON REITMAN | “Juno”

The 30-year-old receives his first director nomination for this tart but touching comedy about a pregnant teenager. Reitman, a graduate of USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, started making short films a decade ago. He received warm reviews and a Writers Guild of America nomination for his first feature film, the 2006 satire “Thank You for Smoking.” Reitman is also nominated for a Spirit Award for best director for “Juno.”

JULIAN SCHNABEL | “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly”

The self-proclaimed “lion of the New York art world” who made a name for himself in the 1980s as a neo-expressionistic artist/painter earns his first Academy Award nomination for his direction of the poignant story of Jean-Dominique Bauby, a former editor of French Elle who suffers a devastating stroke. Schnabel, 56, won the Golden Globe and the Cannes Film Festival award for best director for the French-language film. He’s also nominated for the DGA and Spirit awards.