Paul Thomas Anderson wins at 78th Directors Guild Awards for 'One Battle After Another'

The DGA Award puts the filmmaker on course to potentially win his first Oscar.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 8:55am

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Paul Thomas Anderson won the top prize at the 78th Directors Guild Awards for his film 'One Battle After Another', putting the filmmaker on course to potentially win his first Oscar. The DGA Awards are considered one of the most reliable Academy Awards precursors, with the DGA winner going on to win best director at the Oscars in 9 out of the last 10 years.

Why it matters

Anderson's DGA win for 'One Battle After Another' adds to the film's virtual awards-season sweep, including wins with critics groups, the Gotham Awards, and the Golden Globes. The film is now considered the favorite for best picture at the upcoming Oscars.

The details

The other nominees were Ryan Coogler ('Sinners'), Guillermo Del Toro ('Frankenstein'), Josh Safdie ('Marty Supreme') and Chloé Zhao ('Hamnet'). In his brief speech, Anderson paid tribute to his late assistant director Adam Somner, who died in 2024.

  • The 78th Directors Guild Awards ceremony was held on Saturday, February 8, 2026.
  • Academy voting for the Oscars begins on February 26, 2026.
  • The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 15, 2026.

The players

Paul Thomas Anderson

The award-winning filmmaker who directed the movie 'One Battle After Another', which won the top prize at the 78th Directors Guild Awards.

Adam Somner

Anderson's late assistant director who passed away in 2024.

Christopher Nolan

The new president of the Directors Guild of America who presided over the 78th DGA Awards ceremony.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously, we are up here minus one.”

— Paul Thomas Anderson, Director

“In 2024, our employment in our guild was down about 40%, and that was followed by another decline in '25. The amount of money that people spend on our work, on entertainment, is very, very stable. Audiences are invested in us, we have to be sure that we're able to repay that investment.”

— Christopher Nolan, President, Directors Guild of America

What’s next

Academy voting begins on February 26, 2026, ahead of the 98th Academy Awards ceremony scheduled for March 15, 2026, where 'One Battle After Another' is expected to be a strong contender for Best Picture.

The takeaway

Paul Thomas Anderson's DGA Award win for 'One Battle After Another' solidifies the film's status as the awards season favorite, putting the director on track to potentially win his first Oscar. The ceremony also highlighted the challenges facing the filmmaking industry, with the Directors Guild president noting declines in employment and the need to ensure filmmakers can continue to repay audience investment in their work.