RATINGS: Cast & Crew

DOB: December 24, 1959

Background: Daniels was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and attended Lindenwood University in Missouri. He began his entertainment career as a casting director and manager. He was featured in the documentary "My Break Break" in which he is seen managing actor Wes Bentley ("American Beauty").

Filmography: His first film as a director was "Shadowboxer" (2005). He followed that with the acclaimed indie "Precious" (2009), for which he became only the second black filmmaker nominated for Best Director at the Oscars. His latest film is "The Paperboy" (2012) starring Zac Efron and Nicole Kidman.

Academy Awards:

Best Picture nomination:
- "Precious" (2009); lost to "The Hurt Locker"

Best Director nomination:
- "Precious" (2009); lost to Kathryn Bigelow ("The Hurt Locker")