2026 DGA Awards highlight key contenders for Oscars
The 2026 Directors Guild of America (DGA) Awards, held at the Beverly Hilton, marked a significant moment in the awards season. As the Oscars approach, the DGA Awards are frequently viewed as a crucial predictor of which directors may receive nominations for the prestigious Academy Awards. This year, comedian Kumail Nanjiani hosted the event, infusing the evening with humor and warmth.
Nominees for the esteemed Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film included Paul Thomas Anderson for “One Battle After Another“, Ryan Coogler for “Sinners“, Guillermo del Toro for “Frankenstein“, Josh Safdie for “Marty Supreme“, and Chloé Zhao for “Hamnet“. Each nominee brought a distinct voice to the cinematic landscape, showcasing the diversity and creativity within the industry.
Highlights from the DGA Awards ceremony
As the ceremony unfolded, excitement filled the air at the Beverly Hilton. Paul Thomas Anderson received the award for Best Director, a moment marked by poignant emotion as he dedicated his victory to his late colleague, Adam Somner, who passed away last year. Anderson expressed his gratitude, stating, “This is an incredible honor. We appreciate the love and support from everyone in this room, although we are here without one of our own.” His heartfelt remarks resonated with the audience, highlighting the significance of camaraderie in the filmmaking process.
Acknowledging new talent
In addition to honoring prominent filmmakers, the Directors Guild of America (DGA) recognized emerging voices in the industry. Charlie Polinger received the award for First-Time Theatrical Feature Film for his debut work, “The Plague.” This accolade underscores the DGA’s dedication to fostering new talent. Other nominees in this category included Hasan Hadi for “The President’s Cake,” Harry Lighton for “Pillion,” Alex Russell for “Lurker,” and Eva Victor for “Sorry, Baby.”
Television and beyond
The Directors Guild of America (DGA) Awards recognized outstanding directing in television, highlighting a range of genres. In the Dramatic Series category, Amanda Marsalis received the award for her episode of “The Pitt.” The competition featured notable directors such as Liza Johnson and Janus Metz, underscoring the diverse talent within the television industry.
In the Comedy Series category, Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg won for their work on “The Studio.” Their accomplishment places them among other distinguished directors, showcasing their ability to blend humor with compelling storytelling. This year’s DGA Awards served as a platform not only to honor established filmmakers but also to elevate the voices of emerging creators.
Special recognitions
In addition to the primary categories, several special awards were presented during the evening. The Directors Guild of America (DGA) recognized the contributions of associate director and stage manager David Charles, along with assistant director Gregory McCollum, for their significant impact on the industry. These honors reflect the collaborative nature of filmmaking, where each role is essential in bringing stories to life.
As the night drew to a close, attendees departed the venue, energized by the anticipation of the upcoming Oscars, where many DGA winners are expected to be in contention. The DGA Awards, with their unique format of honoring all nominees on stage prior to revealing the winners, foster a sense of community and celebration among filmmakers.
The 2026 DGA Awards not only acknowledged exceptional achievement in directing but also emphasized the importance of storytelling and collaboration within the film and television industries. With Paul Thomas Anderson at the forefront, the future appears promising for directors across the board.