Paul Thomas Anderson has cemented his position as a frontrunner for the Best Director Oscar, taking home the top prize at the Directors Guild of America (DGA) Awards. He was honored for his work on the political thriller “One Battle After Another,” a film inspired by the works of Thomas Pynchon. The win, announced at a ceremony held at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, marks a significant moment in Anderson’s career and a potential bellwether for the Academy Awards, which are currently in voting season.
This is Anderson’s first DGA win after two previous nominations, for “There Will Be Blood” in and “Licorice Pizza” in . The award was presented by Sean Baker, last year’s DGA winner for “Anora.” Accepting the honor, Anderson expressed humility and gratitude, acknowledging the presence of Steven Spielberg in the audience, calling the experience reminiscent of Spielberg’s “Close Encounters.” He spoke of a shared calling that unites filmmakers, describing the creative process as something they “love making…and we need to do it.”
The DGA Awards have a strong track record of predicting the Oscar winner for Best Director, correctly forecasting the outcome in all but eight instances since the awards began in . In the last five years, the DGA and Oscar winners have aligned every time, further solidifying the award’s importance in the awards season narrative. Anderson’s competitors for the DGA award included Ryan Coogler (“Sinners”), Guillermo del Toro (“Frankenstein”), Josh Safdie (“Marty Supreme”), and Chloé Zhao (“Hamnet”).
Beyond the top prize, the DGA Awards also recognized achievements in television. Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg won for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series for “The Studio,” while Amanda Marsalis was honored for her work on the dramatic series “The Pitt.” Shannon Murphy took home the award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Limited or Anthology Series for “Dying for Sex.” Stephen Chbosky was recognized for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Movies for Television for “Nonnas.”
The ceremony also celebrated achievements in other areas of directing, including commercials, documentaries, and reality television. Matthew Gangl won for his direction of the World Series, and Mike Sweeney was honored for “Conan O’Brien Must Go” in the Reality – Quiz & Game category. Kim Gehrig was recognized for her work in commercials, and Mstyslav Chernov won for the documentary “2000 Meters to Andriivk.”
Anderson’s win comes at a crucial time in the Oscar race, providing significant momentum as voting continues. The DGA Awards often serve to clarify the standing of filmmakers and can significantly influence Academy voters. This year’s honorees represent a mix of established auteurs and emerging talent, reflecting the diverse landscape of contemporary filmmaking. The ceremony also highlighted the contributions of first-time directors, including Hasan Hadi (“The President’s Cake”), Harry Lighton (“Pillion”), Charlie Polinger (“The Plague”), Alex Russell (“Lurker”), and Eva Victor (“Sorry, Baby”), with Polinger taking home the award for First-Time Theatrical Feature Film.
In a poignant moment during his acceptance speech, Anderson paid tribute to his longtime first assistant director, Adam Somner, who passed away in after a battle with thyroid cancer. He spoke of the profound relationship they shared, urging others to cherish and express their love for those close to them. This personal note added an emotional layer to the evening, underscoring the collaborative nature of filmmaking and the importance of human connection within the industry.
Kumail Nanjiani hosted the 78th Annual DGA Awards, which were attended by over 1,000 guests. Presenters included a range of prominent figures from the entertainment industry, including Emily Bader, Patrick Ball, Yvette Nicole Brown, Timothée Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Kerry Washington. The event also honored David Charles with the Franklin J. Schaffner Achievement Award and Gregory G. McCollum with the Frank Capra Achievement Award, recognizing their contributions to the industry and the DGA.
As the Academy Awards approach, all eyes will be on whether the DGA’s prediction holds true. Anderson’s win for “One Battle After Another” has undoubtedly elevated his chances, positioning him as a strong contender for the coveted Best Director Oscar. The complete list of DGA Award winners underscores the breadth of talent and creativity within the filmmaking community, celebrating both established masters and rising stars.
