The 78th Annual Directors Guild Awards recognized the filmmakers and individuals behind the camera in L.A. on Saturday – with One Battle After Another taking home the biggest win.
The ceremony kicked off at the iconic Beverly Hilton Hotel with Kumail Nanjiani hosting in front of the star-studded attendees including Kate Hudson and Kerry Washington.
Paul Thomas Anderson’s black comedy action thriller won Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film.
Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, Sean Penn and Chase Infiniti are included in the cast in the critically acclaimed project – which has additionally been nominated for 13 Academy Awards at the upcoming ceremony in March.
During his acceptance speech, Anderson opened up about his passion for creativity and having the opportunity to share it with those in the room. Anderson also paid tribute to late assistant director Adam Somner who passed away in November 2024 following a battle with thyroid cancer.
‘Obviously we are up here, minus one. A lot of people in this room know our hero, our man, Adam Somner. Steven [Spielberg] knows him. His wife Carmen [Ruiz de Huidobro] is here.’
The filmmaker added, ‘He took this work so seriously, and did not take himself seriously at all. And that was a great gift He made us feel safe.’
Anderson continued that Somner ‘was the best’ and reflected on the years they had known and worked with each other.
DiCaprio also made a surprise appearance at the awards ceremony over the weekend and helped present a special honor to Anderson.
The actor presented the filmmaker with a Directors Guild of America Feature Film Medallion for One Battle After Another.