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73rd Annual DGA Awards Winners

April 10, 2021

Los Angeles – The winners of the Directors Guild of America Outstanding Directorial Achievement Awards for 2020 were announced tonight during the 73rd Annual DGA Awards virtual ceremony. Chloé Zhao won the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film for Nomadland.

Presenters included (in alphabetical order): Scott Berger, James Burrows, Jason Cohen, Ava DuVernay, Lesli Linka Glatter, Tiffany Haddish, Bill Hader, Alma Har’el, Matthew Heineman, Spike Jonze, Nicole Kassell, Tina Mabry, Sam Mendes, Don Mischer, Dee Rees, and Phil Alden Robinson.  


73rd Annual DGA Award Winners
& Special Award Recipients

Click the links below to view specific categories:

 

Outstanding Directorial Achievement in
Theatrical Feature Film

The winner of the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in
Theatrical Feature Film for 2020 is:

Chloé Zhao

Nomadland

(Searchlight Pictures)

  • Unit Production Manager: Mary Kerrigan
  • First Assistant Director: Mary Kerrigan

This is Ms. Zhao’s first DGA Award nomination.

Click here to view Ms. Zhao's acceptance speech.

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Outstanding Directorial Achievement in
First-Time Feature Film

The winner of the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement
of a First-Time Feature Film Director for 2020 is:

Darius Marder

Sound of Metal

(Amazon Studios)

  • Unit Production Manager: Amy Greene

This is Mr. Marder’s first DGA Award nomination.

 


Outstanding Directorial Achievement in
Movies for Television and Limited Series

The winner of  the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Movies for Television and Limited Series  for 2020 is:

Scott Frank

The Queen’s Gambit

(Netflix)

  • First Assistant Director: Aldric La’auli Porter

This is Mr. Frank’s second DGA Award nomination. He was previously nominated in this category in 2017 for Godless.

 

Outstanding Directorial Achievement in

Dramatic Series

The winner of the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Dramatic Series for 2020 is: 

Lesli Linka Glatter

Homeland, “Prisoners of War”

(Showtime)

  • Unit Production Managers: Michael Klick, Philippa Naughten
  • First Assistant Director: Sunday Stevens
  • Second Assistant Director: Wendy Bledsoe
  • Second Second Assistant Director: Yarden Levo

This is Ms. Glatter’s eighth DGA Award nomination. She previously won in this category in 2015 forHomeland, “From A to B and Back Again, as well as in 2009 forMad Men, “Guy Walks into an Advertising Agency.” She was also nominated in 2018, 2016, 2013 and 2012 forHomelandepisodes, “Paean to the People,” “The Tradition of Hospitality,” “The Star,” and “Q & A,” as well as in 1990 forTwin Peaks, “Episode 32006.”

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Outstanding Directorial Achievement in

Comedy Series

The winner of the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series for 2020 is:

Susanna Fogel

The Flight Attendant, “In Case of Emergency”

(HBO Max)

  • Unit Production Manager: Bonnie Muñoz
  • First Assistant Director: Derek Peterson
  • Second Assistant Director: Jacquie Dore
  • Second Second Assistant Director: Zach Citarella
  • Location Manager: Chris Banks

This is Ms. Fogel’s first DGA Award nomination.

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Outstanding Directorial Achievement in
Documentary

The winners of the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Documentary for 2020 are:

Michael Dweck & Gregory Kershaw

The Truffle Hunters

(Sony Pictures Classics)

This is Mr. Dweck’s first DGA Award nomination.

This is Mr. Kershaw’s first DGA Award nomination.

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Outstanding Directorial Achievement in

Variety/Talk/News/Sports – Regularly Scheduled Programming

The winner of the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Variety/Talk/News/Sports – Regularly Scheduled Programming for is:

Don Roy King

Saturday Night Live, “Dave Chappelle; Foo Fighters”

(NBC)

  • Associate Directors: Michael Mancini, Michael Poole, Laura Ouziel‑Mack
  • Stage Managers: Gena Rositano, Chris Kelly, Eddie Valk

This is Mr. King’s 15th DGA Award nomination. He previously won the DGA Award in this category for SNL episodes: E. Murphy; Lizzo” in 2019, “Adam Driver; Kanye West” in 2018, “Host: Jimmy Fallon” in 2017, “Host: Dave Chappelle” in 2016 and for “Host: Justin Timberlake” in 2013. Mr King also won the DGA Award for Variety/Talk/News/Sports – Specials forSNL 40th Anniversary Specialin 2015. He was previously nominated forSNLepisodes in 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014, and in 2015 in the Variety/Talk/News/Sports – Regularly Scheduled Programming category for theSaturday Night Liveepisode, “Host: Tracy Morgan/Musical Guest: Demi Lovato.”

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Outstanding Directorial Achievement in
Variety/Talk/News/Sports – Specials

The winner of the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Variety/Talk/News/Sports – Specials for 2020 is:

Thomas Schlamme

A West Wing Special to Benefit When We All Vote

(HBO Max)

  • Unit Production Manager: Debra James
  • First Assistant Director: Shawn Pipkin‑West
  • Second Assistant Director: Courtney Franklin
  • Second Second Assistant Directors: Ni’cole Pettis, Cathy Bond

This is Mr. Schlamme’s ninth DGA nomination. He is a three-time DGA Award-winner: in the Dramatic Series – Night category in 2000 for hisThe West Wingepisode “Noel;” and in the Comedy Series category in 1998 for hisSports Nightepisode “Small Town” and in 1999 for the pilot episode of that series. He was also previously nominated in the Dramatic Series category in 2006 for the pilot episode ofStudio 60 on the Sunset Strip, in 2002 for hisThe West Wingepisode “Two Cathedrals;” in 1999 for the pilot episode of that series; and in the Musical/Variety category in 1996 for hisTracey Takes On...episode, “Tracy Takes On 1976,” and in 1996 for “Tracy Takes On Romance.”

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Outstanding Directorial Achievement in
Reality Programs

The winner of the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Reality Programs for 2020 is:

Joseph Guidry

Full Bloom, “Petal to the Metal”

(HBO Max)

  • Associate Director: Sean Galvin
  • Lead Stage Manager: Jimmy Chriss
  • Stage Managers: Rachel Shimko, Kristianna Laroda, Richard Melendez

This is Mr. Guidry’s first DGA Award nomination.

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Outstanding Directorial Achievement in
Commercials

The winner of the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Commercials for 2020 is:

Melina Matsoukas

(Prettybird)

You Love Me, Beats by Dr. Dre‑ Translation

  • First Assistant Director: Paul Norman
  • Second Assistant Director: Don Johnson

This is Ms. Matsoukas’s third DGA Award nomination. She was previously nominated in the Comedy Series category in 2017 for herMaster of Noneepisode, “Thanksgiving;” and in the Outstanding Directorial Achievement in First-Time Feature Film category in 2019 forQueen & Slim.

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Outstanding Directorial Achievement in
Children's Programs

The winner of the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Children’s Programs for 2020 is:

Amy Schatz

We Are the Dream:
The Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorical Fest

(HBO)

This is Ms. Schatz’s twelfth DGA Award nomination. She has won six DGA Awards in this category for: Song of Parkland in 2019, An Apology to Elephants in 2013, A Child’s Garden of Poetry in 2011, Classical Baby (I’m Grown Up Now), “The Poetry Show” in 2008, ‘Twas the Night in 2001 and Goodnight Moon & Other Sleepy Time Tales in 1999. She was also nominated an additional five times in this category for Saving My Tomorrow, “Part 3” in 2015, Saving My Tomorrow, “Part 1 and 2” in 2014, Don’t Divorce Me! Kids’ Rules for Parents on Divorce in 2012, Hard Times for an American Girl: The Great Depression in 2009 and Through a Child’s Eyes: September 11, 2001 in 2002.

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Lifetime Achievement & Service Award Recipients

 

PARIS BARCLAY

Life Membership Award

This award is given in recognition of Leadership in the Industry, Contribution to the Guild and the Profession of Directing, and Outstanding Career Achievement.

Click here to view Mr. Barclay's acceptance speech.


 

BETTY THOMAS

Robert B. Aldrich Service Award

This award is given in recognition of Extraordinary Service to the Directors Guild of America and to its Membership.

Click here to view Ms. Thomas' acceptance speech.


 

BRIAN E. FRANKISH

Frank Capra Achievement Award

This award is given to an Assistant Director or Unit Production Manager in recognition of career achievement in the industry and service to the Directors Guild of America.

Click here to view Mr. Frankish's acceptance speech.

 


 

JOYCE THOMAS

Franklin J. Schaffner Achievement Award

This award is given to an Associate Director or Stage Manager in recognition of career achievement in the industry and service to the Directors Guild of America.

Click here to view Ms. Thomas' acceptance speech.

 

 
 

 

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Pictures

73rd Annual DGA Awards:
DGA President Thomas Schlamme welcomes the online audience to the Awards ceremony.
73rd Annual DGA Awards:
Chloé Zhao won the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film for Nomadland
73rd Annual DGA Awards:
2019 winner, Sam Mendes presented the Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film Director Award.
73rd Annual DGA Awards:
Renowned director and DGA Past President Paris Barclay was the recipient of the DGA Honorary Life Member Award in recognition of leadership in the industry, contribution to the Guild and the profession of directing, and outstanding career achievement.
73rd Annual DGA Awards:
Director Ava DuVernay presented the DGA Honorary Life Member Award.
73rd Annual DGA Awards:
Darius Marder won the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement of a First-Time Feature Film Director for Sound of Metal.
73rd Annual DGA Awards:
2019 winner Alma Har’el presented the Outstanding Directorial Achievement of a First-Time Feature Film Director Award.
73rd Annual DGA Awards:
Lesli Linka Glatter won the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Dramatic Series for Homeland, “Prisoners of War“
73rd Annual DGA Awards:
2019 winner Nicole Kassell presented the Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Dramatic Series Award.
73rd Annual DGA Awards:
Susanna Fogel won the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series for The Flight Attendant, “In Case of Emergency“
73rd Annual DGA Awards:
2019 winner Bill Hader presented the Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series Award.
73rd Annual DGA Awards:
Scott Frank won the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Movies for Television and Limited Series for The Queen’s Gambit
73rd Annual DGA Awards:
Director Dee Rees presented the Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Movies for Television and Limited Series Award.
73rd Annual DGA Awards:
Don Roy King won the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Variety/Talk/News/Sports – Regularly Scheduled Programming for Saturday Night Live, “Dave Chappelle; Foo Fighters“
73rd Annual DGA Awards:
DGA Lifetime Achievement Award-winner Don Mischer presented the Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Variety/Talk/News/Sports – Regularly Scheduled Programming Award.
73rd Annual DGA Awards:
Thomas Schlamme won the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Variety/Talk/News/Sports – Specials for A West Wing Special to Benefit When We All Vote
73rd Annual DGA Awards:
2019 winner James Burrows presented the Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Variety/Talk/News/Sports – Specials Award.
73rd Annual DGA Awards:
Joseph Guidry won the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Reality Programs for Full Bloom, “Petal to the Metal“
73rd Annual DGA Awards:
2019 winner Jason Cohen presented the Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Reality Programs Award.
73rd Annual DGA Awards:
Amy Schatz won the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Children’s Programs for We Are the Dream: The Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorical Fest
73rd Annual DGA Awards:
Director Tina Mabry presented the Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Children’s Programs Award.
73rd Annual DGA Awards:
Melina Matsoukas won the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Commercials for You Love Me, Beats by Dr. Dre
73rd Annual DGA Awards:
Comedian Tiffany Haddish and 2019 winner Spike Jonze presented the Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Commercials Award.
73rd Annual DGA Awards:
Michael Dweck & Gregory Kershaw won the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Documentary for The Truffle Hunters
73rd Annual DGA Awards:
2019 winner Matthew Heineman presented the Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Documentary Award.
73rd Annual DGA Awards:
Robert B. Aldrich Service Award recipient, DGA Secretary-Treasurer Betty Thomas.
73rd Annual DGA Awards:
DGA First Vice President Lesli Linka Glatter presented the Robert B. Aldrich Service Award.
73rd Annual DGA Awards:
UPM Brian E. Frankish received the Frank Capra Achievement Award, which is given to an Assistant Director or Unit Production Manager in recognition of career achievement in the industry and service to the Directors Guild of America.
73rd Annual DGA Awards:
Director Phil Alden Robinson presented the Frank Capra Achievement Award.
73rd Annual DGA Awards:
Joyce Thomas received the Franklin J. Schaffner Achievement Award, which is given to an Associate Director or Stage Manager in recognition of service to the industry and to the Directors Guild of America.
73rd Annual DGA Awards:
DGA Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Scott Berger presented the Franklin J. Schaffner Achievement Award.
73rd Annual DGA Awards:
DGA President Thomas Schlamme and National Executive Director Russell Hollander bid the DGA audience good night.

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