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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

‘Forrest Gump’ Director Wins Top Guild Honor

Associated Press

The already strong Academy Awards odds for “Forrest Gump” have gotten even stronger.

The Directors Guild of America bestowed its top award on the man behind the box of chocolates.

With Robert Zemeckis’ triumph Saturday night, “Forrest Gump” gained serious momentum to take the top Oscars in two weeks.

Recent guild winners have repeated at the Academy Awards not only as best director but also as best picture. The last three guild winners - the makers of “The Silence of the Lambs,” “Unforgiven” and “Schindler’s List” - all have swept Oscars.

“I’m really nervous now,” Zemeckis said of his Oscar prospects after his win.

The other nominees for best director were Frank Darabont for “The Shawshank Redemption,” Mike Newell for “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” Robert Redford for “Quiz Show” and Quentin Tarantino for “Pulp Fiction.”

The DGA recognized “Hoop Dreams” as the year’s best documentary. The story of two high school basketball players was thought to have a chance at a best picture Oscar nomination, but was blanked in that and in the documentary feature category.