Spike Jonze. Michel Gondry. David Fincher. These names are usually associated with some of the most critically acclaimed movies today, but these filmmakers, along with several of their contemporaries, actually got their start directing music videos for the likes of Beastie Boys, Bjork and Madonna.

The nominees for the MTV Video Music Awards were announced today, and with these directors rocking the music video and feature film world, you might be seeing this year's nominees for Best Direction coming to a theater near you. And just because Spike Jonze is a big Hollywood director now doesn't mean he's forgotten where he's started — he has earned a nomination for Best Direction for The Throne's music video for "Otis."

Katy Perry and Rihanna dazzled us on the big screen this summer in the 3-D concert doc "Katy Perry: Part of Me" and "Battleship," respectively, but they've also found some time to wow us with their music this year, earning several VMA noms each, including Video of the Year.

Head over to MTV for the full list of nominations and to vote for your favorite nominees.