This honor is especially exciting for the director behind "Promising Young Woman." Emerald Fennell, who's also nominated for her screenplay and for producing the film, released a statement saying, in part:
"Unbelievably thrilled and honored for 'Promising Young Woman' to be among so many incredible nominees... It's impossible to truly express the depth of my gratitude without swearing so I'd better stop here."
"Promising Young Woman" is her first feature film.
"One Night in Miami" is the first feature film Regina King has directed. It's about four famous friends taking a serious look at 1964 America.
RELATED: Regina King steps behind the camera for 'One Night in Miami'
Regina King steps behind the camera for 'One Night in Miami'
A few weeks before her nomination, King was excited to talk about her cast, including fellow "One Night in Miami" Golden Globe nominee Leslie Odom Jr.
"The actors, I mean, they're just, they're simply amazing," said King.
Chloe Zhao directed "Nomadland" and she also makes history as the first ever woman of Asian descent recognized in this category.
"I feel very grateful and very proud. I love what I do, so I'm very lucky that I get to do it," said Zhao. "And if more people like me get to do it, that's great. That's a great thing."