Directors Back in the Chair

2009 is shaping up to be the year of the director.

Several big names are returning to theaters after being M.I.A. for a while -- at least it seems that way.

Here's a list of familiar helmers who have projects being released in the fall/winter:

James Cameron

2009 release: "Avatar"

Last directorial effort: "Titanic" (1997)

Jane Campion

2009 release: "Bright Star"

Last directorial effort: "In The Cut" (2003)

Jim Sheridan

2009 release: "Brothers"

Last directorial effort: "Get Rich or Die Tryin' " (2005)

Peter Jackson

2009 release: "The Lovely Bones"

Last directorial effort: "King Kong" (2005)

Ang Lee

2009 release: "Taking Woodstock"

Last directorial effort: "Lust, Caution" (2007)

Quentin Tarantino

2009 release: Inglourious Bastards

Last directorial effort: "Grindhouse" (2007)

Robert Zemeckis

2009 release: "A Christmas Carol"

Last directorial effort: "Beowulf" (2007)