Paul Thomas Anderson Secures Top DGA Honor for ‘One Battle After Another’
Paul Thomas Anderson has achieved a significant milestone by winning the Directors Guild of America (DGA) Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film for his latest project, “One Battle After Another.” This recognition, awarded at the DGA Awards ceremony held at the Beverly Hilton, is often a strong indicator for the upcoming Academy Awards.
Anderson’s DGA Journey
This marks Anderson’s third nomination at the DGA Awards. He was previously recognized for “Licorice Pizza” in 2021 and “There Will Be Blood” in 2007. Since the inception of the DGA Awards in 1948, there have been only eight instances where the winner of the Outstanding Directorial Achievement award did not go on to win the Best Director Oscar.
- DGA Award Wins: 1948-present, only eight mismatches with Oscars.
- Recent Winners: 2023 was awarded to Anderson; previous winners include Sean Baker in 2022.
The Ceremony Highlights
During his acceptance speech, Anderson humorously acknowledged DGA president Christopher Nolan, receiving laughter from attendees. He also honored his late friend and producer, Adam Somner, who passed away in 2024 due to thyroid cancer. Anderson expressed the impact Somner had on the filmmaking community:
- “He took this work seriously but not himself.”
- Anderson emphasized the importance of safety on set, attributing successful experiences to great assistant directors like Somner.
Acknowledging Influences
Anderson referenced the iconic film “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” emphasizing a shared passion for filmmaking among peers. He encouraged fellow filmmakers to cherish their relationships and expressed deep admiration for Somner, reinforcing the emotional bond within the industry.
Competitive Landscape
The DGA Awards saw tough competition this year. Other nominees in the Outstanding Directorial Achievement category included:
- Ryan Coogler for “Sinners”
- Chloé Zhao for “Hamnet”
- Guillermo del Toro for “Frankenstein”
- Josh Safdie for “Marty Supreme”
Coogler became only the fifth Black director recognized in this category, with Zhao achieving multiple nominations, following her previous win for “Nomadland.” The DGA Awards continue to be a critical barometer for the Oscar landscape.
As the film industry anticipates the Academy Awards, Anderson’s victory at the DGA cements “One Battle After Another” as a contender worth watching.
