Zack Snyder will receive the 2009 director of the year award at the upcoming ShoWest confab.
Snyder is in theaters this weekend with Warner Bros.' "Watchmen," based on the graphic novel.
Studio is hoping to replicate the success of the helmer's "300." Released in early March 2007, pic debuted to a record-breaking $70.9 million on its way to grossing $210.6 domestically. Pic grossed $245.5 million overseas for a worldwide cume of $456.1 million.
Snyder's feature directing debut, "Dawn of the Dead," was in the official selection at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival.
ShoWest runs March 30-April 2 in Las Vegas.
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