Top Directors Discuss Their Acclaimed Films in Lengthy Conversation

Paul Thomas Anderson, Ryan Coogler, Josh Safdie, Guillermo del Toro, and Chloé Zhao sit down for a 2.5-hour discussion on their award-nominated movies.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Directors Guild of America gathered their nominees for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film - Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another), Ryan Coogler (Sinners), Guillermo del Toro (Frankenstein), Josh Safdie (Marty Supreme), and Chloé Zhao (Hamnet) - for an extensive 2.5-hour conversation moderated by Jeremy Kagan. The wide-ranging discussion delved into the preparation and production of each of the acclaimed films, with PTA sharing a remarkable story about filming the opening sequence of his movie on the border wall near San Diego.

Why it matters

This annual DGA conversation provides a rare, in-depth look into the creative processes and experiences of some of the most acclaimed directors working today, offering unique insights for film fans and industry professionals alike.

The details

The directors discussed a variety of topics, including how Guillermo del Toro looks for specific qualities in actors' eyes when casting, Josh Safdie's documentary-like approach to filmmaking, and the methods Chloé Zhao uses to foster connections between her actors. PTA also recounted a remarkable story about securing a location to film the opening of his movie on the border wall, where his crew was able to shoot fireworks into Mexico and even capture real families crossing the border in the background.

  • The conversation took place on February 7, 2026 in Los Angeles.
  • PTA went on to win the DGA's award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film.

The players

Paul Thomas Anderson

An acclaimed American filmmaker known for movies like One Battle After Another.

Ryan Coogler

A prominent American film director, producer, and screenwriter, known for directing the film Sinners.

Josh Safdie

An American filmmaker who directed the movie Marty Supreme.

Guillermo del Toro

A Mexican film director, producer, screenwriter, and author, known for directing the film Frankenstein.

Chloé Zhao

A Chinese filmmaker who directed the movie Hamnet.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We had shot the opening sequence once and we didn't really like the way that it went. We wanted to put it at the border by San Diego, right on the wall. We had done such a good job, the border patrol was so happy with us the first time around, when we went with Teyana [Taylor], they said that we could shoot on the wall and create a temporary internment camp under the freeway. And I said [to my crew], 'How did you do this?' And they said, 'Do not ask. I don't really know.'”

— Paul Thomas Anderson, Director (thefilmstage.com)

“Even to the point where we're shooting fireworks off into Mexico. While we were shooting, we would watch people [and] I couldn't tell our background extras from people who were really crossing the border. I'm not kidding. I was shooting a scene in a tiny little trailer and I saw a family walk by behind Teyana and I thought, 'Well, the ADs let some extras walk through to go to the bathroom or something like that,' but it was a family that was crossing the border. I don't know what the hell happened there and I didn't ask any questions. I still don't know the answers. It's still a great mystery to me, but securing that location was hard.”

— Paul Thomas Anderson, Director (thefilmstage.com)

What’s next

The Directors Guild of America will announce the winner of the Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film award on March 1, 2026.

The takeaway

This rare, in-depth conversation among some of the most acclaimed directors working today provides unique insights into their creative processes and experiences, offering film fans and industry professionals a behind-the-scenes look at the making of these critically praised movies.