Hooper won out over David Fincher for “The Social Network,” who had been considered the favorite for Hollywood's main directing prizes, including the Academy Award on Feb. 27. The guild win for Hooper sets up a showdown between him and Fincher at the Oscars, where “The King's Speech” leads with 12 nominations. The film relates the struggles of Queen Elizabeth II's father, King George VI, to overcome a debilitating stammer as he took the throne in the years leading to World War II. “To be back here a second time is extraordinary,” said Hooper, an Emmy winner for the miniseries “Elizabeth I” and a previous Directors Guild nominee for the miniseries “John Adams.” The Directors Guild honor is one of the most-accurate forecasts for the Oscars. Only six times in the 62-year history of the guild awards has the winner failed to take home the directing Oscar.