he lost Best Director for Network...
to John Avildsen for Rocky. Tough year.
shareOf the nominees, Alan J. Pakula was the best hands-down. But the two Best Picture nominees which did not have nominated directors - Taxi Driver and Bound for Glory - were just as good, maybe better.
Avildsen's win is ridiculous in hindsight but Rocky was an unexpected sleeper smash in its day and a popular winner, I'm sure.