The King’s Speech picks up major director’s award

BRITISH historical drama The King’s Speech got a new boost in the race for Oscars glory as its director won a key prize in a weekend of Hollywood awards.

Tom Hooper got the top gong for outstanding directorial achievement at the Directors Guild of America (DGA) show, seen as a key indicator of prospects for success at next month’s Academy Awards.

The winner of the DGA has gone on to win the Oscar for best director on all but six times since 1948.