Peers Honor 'Rings' Director

Peter Jackson, the 42-year-old New Zealand filmmaker whose film "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" is nominated for 11 Academy Awards, was named best director of 2003 on Saturday night by the Directors Guild of America.

The DGA win, along with Jackson's win two weeks ago of the Golden Globe for best director, makes him a front-runner for the Academy Awards.

Jackson was considered the favorite for the DGA award going into the 56th annual ceremony Saturday night at the Century Plaza Hotel.

The recipient of the DGA's Lifetime Achievement Award was Mike Nichols, who also was recognized for his direction of the TV movie "Angels in America."