DGA Awards 2025: Paul Thomas Anderson Wins for ‘One Battle After Another’

Paul Thomas Anderson has cemented his position as the frontrunner for the Best Director Oscar, securing the top prize at the February 7th Directors Guild of America (DGA) Awards. He was recognized for his work on “One Battle After Another,” a film that has been steadily gaining momentum throughout awards season.

This win marks Anderson’s first DGA Award, following previous nominations for 2007’s “There Will Be Blood” and 2021’s “Licorice Pizza.” The victory comes on the heels of wins at the Critics Choice Awards and the Golden Globes, significantly bolstering his chances for an Academy Award. The DGA Award has historically been a strong indicator of Oscar success, with the winner taking home the Best Director Oscar 18 times in the last 20 years.

“One Battle After Another” bested a competitive field of nominees including Guillermo del Toro (“Frankenstein”), Chloé Zhao (“Hamnet”), Josh Safdie (“Marty Supreme”), and Ryan Coogler (“Sinners”). Notably, del Toro was the only nominee not also nominated for the Best Director Oscar. Joachim Trier, whose film “Sentimental Value” received an Oscar nomination, was not a DGA nominee.

Anderson’s acceptance speech, consistent with his previous award wins, was a poignant tribute to his late assistant director, Adam Somner, who passed away in November 2024. The DGA Award uniquely recognizes the entire directorial team, and Somner was honored posthumously alongside Anderson and Unit Production Manager Will Weiske, Second Assistant Directors Trevor Tavares and Ian Stone, Second Second Assistant Directors Dominic Pacitti and Rafael Sanz-Jimenez, and Additional Second Assistant Directors Nuekellar Hardy, Chunning Chang, Kit Conners, Kasia Trojak, and Tyler Young.

The ceremony, hosted by comedian and actor Kumail Nanjiani at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, provided a lighthearted atmosphere leading up to the Oscars, which are still five weeks away. Nanjiani reportedly poked fun at the ongoing awards season circuit.

Beyond the top prize, the DGA Awards also recognized emerging talent and excellence in television directing. Amanda Marsalis won for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Dramatic Series for her work on “The Pitt,” specifically the episode “6:00 PM.” Interestingly, she beat out “The Pitt” executive producer John Wells, who was also nominated in the same category. Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg took home the award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series for their episode “The Oner” of “The Studio,” a win they dedicated to the late Catherine O’Hara, a star of the show and a long-time idol of theirs.

The evening also included honors for first-time feature filmmakers and special awards for associate director/stage manager David Charles and assistant director Gregory McCollum. “SNL50: The Anniversary Special” director Liz Patrick was recognized in the variety category.

The DGA Awards are considered a significant bellwether for the Oscars, not just for the Best Director category, but also for the overall tone and trajectory of the awards season. Anderson’s win for “One Battle After Another” signals a strong likelihood of continued success for the film and its director as the Academy Awards approach. The film’s critical acclaim, combined with this latest industry recognition, positions it as a major contender for the highest honors in filmmaking.

The win for “One Battle After Another” is particularly notable given the strength of the other nominees. Del Toro’s “Frankenstein” was widely anticipated to be a major contender, while Zhao and Safdie represent a new generation of acclaimed filmmakers. Coogler’s “Sinners” also garnered significant praise. Anderson’s victory underscores the impact and artistry of his latest work, and the respect he commands within the directorial community.

The DGA’s recognition of the entire directorial team, including assistant directors and production staff, highlights the collaborative nature of filmmaking. The posthumous honor for Adam Somner is a testament to his contributions and a reminder of the importance of recognizing the often-unsung heroes behind the camera. This emphasis on teamwork is a defining characteristic of the DGA Awards, setting it apart from other industry accolades.