Sean Baker Takes Top Theatrical Feature Film Prize at 77th DGA Awards
Anora, helmed by Sean Baker, secured the marquee Theatrical Feature Film award at the 77th annual DGA Awards, celebrated at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. This win solidifies Baker’s position as the frontrunner for Best Director at the upcoming Academy Awards.
Baker’s Triumph and Oscar Prediction
Baker dominated the Best Director race on March 2, defeating Jacques Audiard (Emilia Perez), Edward Berger (Conclave), Brady Corbet (The Brutalist), and James Mangold (A Complete Unknown).
Recently, he also claimed the Critics Choice Award for Best Picture for Anora. Historically, the DGA Awards have proven to be a strong indicator of Oscar success, with only eight misses in 76 years.
RaMell Ross Celebrates His Debut Win
RaMell Ross emerged victorious in the Michael Apted First-Time Theatrical Feature Film category for his film Nickel Boys. This marks a significant milestone in Ross’s directorial career.
TV Directing Honors
On the television front, FX’s Emmy-nominated series Shōgun took home the first award for the night. Frederick E.O. Toye directed the “Crimson Sky” episode in the Dramatic Series category.
Netflix’s Ripley, directed by Steven Zaillian, won in the Movies for Television/Limited Series category. Lucia Aniello bagged the Comedy Series award for directing the “Bulletproof” episode of Hacks.
Historical Perspectives and Inspirations
DGA President Lesli Linka Glatter opened the ceremony with a heartfelt speech advocating for the return of production to Los Angeles following the recent devastating wildfires. Her words emphasized the resilience and future of Hollywood.
Glatter reflected on the resilience of nature, symbolized by the still-standing tree filled with bright yellow flowers amidst the wreckage, urging the industry to forge ahead.
Judd Apatow’s Hosting and Humor
Judd Apatow, returning for his sixth time as host, kept the audience entertained with humorous jabs and reflections on contemporary issues. Apatow’s wit was on full display as he drew comparisons between his and Ang Lee’s contributions to 2005 filmography.
Lifetime Achievement Award Honors Ang Lee
Michelle Yeoh presented the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award to the celebrated filmmaker Ang Lee. With this recognition, Lee becomes part of a prestigious list of 36 directors honored by the guild in its 88-year history.
In his acceptance speech, Lee expressed his dedication to lifelong learning and the craft of filmmaking. “I hope that my whole career can be a never-ending film school,” Lee stated.
Special Awards
UPMs Mary Rae Thewlis and Thomas J. Whelan were honored with the guild’s Robert B. Aldrich Award and Frank Capra Achievement Award, respectively.
Comprehensive Winners List
THEATRICAL FEATURE FILM
Sean Baker
Anora
(Neon)
MICHAEL APTED FIRST-TIME THEATRICAL FEATURE FILM
RaMell Ross
Nickel Boys
(Amazon MGM Studios)
DOCUMENTARY
Brendan Bellemo & Slava Leontyev
Porcelain War
(Picturehouse)
DRAMATIC SERIES
Frederick E.O. Toye
Shōgun, “Crimson Sky”
(FX)
COMEDY
Lucia Aniello
Hacks, “Bulletproof”
(Max)
MOVIES FOR TELEVISION AND LIMITED SERIES
Steven Zaillian
Ripley
(Netflix)
VARIETY/TALK/NEWS/SPORTS – REGULARLY SCHEDULED PROGRAMMING
Liz Patrick
Saturday Night Live, “John Mulaney / Chappell Roan”
(NBC)
VARIETY/TALK/NEWS/SPORTS – SPECIALS
Beth McCarthy Miller
The Roast of Tom Brady
(Netflix)
REALITY PROGRAMS
Neil DeGroot
Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted, “The Cliffs of Ireland”
(National Geographic)
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS
Amber Sealey
Out of My Mind
(Disney+)
COMMERCIALS
Andreas Nilsson
Board Game, Hennessy Wieden+Kennedy London
First Office Poo, Andrex FCB London
One More, Apple Client Direct
Whizzer, Virgin Media VCCP London
Conclusion
The DGA Awards continued its tradition of celebrating excellence in direction, honoring both veteran and aspiring filmmakers across various categories. With Sean Baker leading the charge, anticipation for the Oscars grows as the linchpins of filmmaking are recognized and celebrated.
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