Paul Thomas Anderson’s DGA Win Signals Strong Oscar Momentum for ‘One Battle After Another’
Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another has received a major boost in its Oscar campaign, securing the top prize at the 78th Directors Guild of America (DGA) Awards. The win, announced on February 10, 2026, positions the action-thriller, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, as a frontrunner for the Best Director Academy Award.
The DGA Awards: A Reliable Oscar Bellwether
The DGA Awards have a strong track record of predicting the Oscar winner for Best Director. Historically, the DGA winner has gone on to win the Oscar in the same category in the vast majority of years, missing the prediction only eight times. This makes the DGA ceremony one of the most closely watched events during awards season.
Tributes and Recognition at the Ceremony
The awards ceremony included heartfelt tributes. Anderson dedicated his acceptance speech to Adam Somner, a member of his team who passed away in 2024. Each of the five nominated directors was presented with a DGA medal by a figure associated with their respective films. Leonardo DiCaprio presented the award to Anderson, while other presenters included Michael B. Jordan, Jacob Elordi, Timothée Chalamet and Steven Spielberg.
Oscar Contenders and Surprises
While all five DGA nominees were initially in the running for the Oscar, the Academy’s Best Director shortlist differed slightly. Guillermo del Toro (Frankenstein) was replaced by Joachim Trier, director of Sentimental Value, which is as well competing for Best Picture.
Television Awards Reflect Current Trends
The DGA Awards also recognize excellence in television directing. The Pitt, a medical drama, won for Best Directing of a Dramatic Series, specifically for the episode “6:00 PM,” directed by Amanda Marsalis. The Studio, a comedy, took home the award for Best Directing of a Comedy Series, with Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg winning for “The Oner.”
A Moment of Remembrance for Catherine O’Hara
Rogen and Goldberg dedicated their award to the late Catherine O’Hara, a beloved actress who recently passed away. They spoke of her influence and kindness, highlighting her impact on their careers.
Past DGA Winners and Oscar Success
Last year’s DGA winner, Sean Baker, saw his film Anora go on to win four Oscars, including Best Film and Best Director, demonstrating the significant impact of a DGA win on an independent film’s Oscar chances.
Looking Ahead: The Oscar Race Heats Up
With the Oscar nominations announced and the DGA Awards concluded, the final stretch of awards season is underway. The Academy Awards ceremony will be held on March 15th, where the winners will be revealed.
Did you know?
The DGA has over 18,000 members, making it one of the most influential guilds in the entertainment industry.
FAQ
Q: How accurate are the DGA Awards in predicting the Oscars?
A: Very accurate. The DGA winner has historically been a strong indicator of who will win the Oscar for Best Director, with only eight misses in its history.
Q: What films were nominated for the DGA Award?
A: The nominees were Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another), Ryan Coogler (I Sinners), Guillermo del Toro (Frankenstein), Josh Safdie (Marty Supreme), and Chloé Zhao (Hamnet).
Q: Which TV shows won DGA Awards?
A: The Pitt won for Best Directing of a Dramatic Series, and The Studio won for Best Directing of a Comedy Series.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on films and directors who receive recognition from guilds like the DGA, as these awards often signal strong contenders for the Oscars.
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