The 69th annual Directors Guild of America Awards took place in Beverly Hills last Saturday, Feb. 4. This prestigious awards ceremony honors outstanding directorial achievement in feature films, documentary, and television shows. This year, many newcomers were nominated — such as Damien Chazelle and Steven Zaillan — along with nominees who were seasoned veterans of the DGA ceremonies, including Garth Davis and Don Ron King. In case you missed the awards, we’ve rounded up the winners, below:
Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film: Damien Chazelle
Damien Chazelle, director of “La La Land” and “Whiplash,” won the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film for 2016 — the most coveted award. This is Chazelle’s first DGA Award nomination.
Outstanding Directorial Achievement in First-Time Feature Film: Garth Davis (Andrew Walker)
Garth Davis may have lost to Damien Chazelle for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film, but Davis took Outstanding Directorial Achievement in First-Time Feature Film for “Lion.” In 2009, Davis was nominated for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Commercials for “Shadow Puppets,” U.S. Cellular.
Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Dramatic Series: Miguel Sapochnik
“Game of Thrones” director Miguel Sapochnik won the award for the episode “The Battle of the Bastards” in the category Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Dramatic Series. This is the first time Sapochnik has received a nomination for a DGA Award.
Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series: Becky Martin
The winner of Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series was Becky Martin for Veep’s episode, “Inauguration.” This is Martin’s first award nomination.
Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Movies for Television and Mini-Series: Steven Zaillian
Steven Zaillian took home the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Movies for Television and Mini-Series. His work in “The Beach” episode of the show “The Night Of” secured Zallian’s first award nomination.
Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Variety/Talk/News/Sports – Regularly Scheduled Programming: Don Ron King
Don Ron King won the award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Variety/Talk/News/Sports — Regularly Scheduled Programming. King is most well-known for his work on “Saturday Night Live” and “Host: Dave Chappelle.” This is King’s 11th DGA award nomination, and he previously won an award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Variety/Talk/News/Sports — Specials, back in 2015.
Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Variety/Talk/News/Sports – Specials: Glenn Weiss
The winner of Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Variety/Talk/News/Sports — Specials was Glenn Weiss for his work “The 70th Annual Tony Awards.” Weiss has nominated a total of 13 times and previously won the award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Variety/Talk/News/Sports — Specials in 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2015. He was also nominated for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Movies for Television and Mini-Series for “Peter Pan Live!” in 2015.
Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Reality Programs: J. Rupert Thompson
https://youtu.be/EwNnbXlkV0k
The episode, “The Finale — Over the Falls” from “American Grit” secured the award Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Reality Programs for J. Rupert Thompson. This is Thompson’s seventh award nomination.
Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Children’s Programs: Tina Mabry
Tina Mabry won the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Children’s Programs for her work “An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win.” This is Mabry’s first DGA Award nomination.
Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Commercials: Derek Cianfrance
The DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Commercials was awarded to Derek Cianfrance for his work with “Chase” for Nike Golf, “Doubts” for Powerade, “Expectations” for Powerade and “Manifesto” for SquareSpace. This was Cianfrance’s first nomination.
Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Documentary: Ezra Edelman
Ezra Edelman’s “O.J.: Made in America” won him the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Documentary. This is Edelman’s first DGA Award nomination.
Lifetime Achievement & Service Award Recipients
Lifetime Achievement Award in Feature Film: Ridley Scott
Ridley Scott received this award, which is given to a director in recognition of their achievement in motion picture direction. It is the Director’s Guild of America’s highest honor.
DGA President’s Award: Jay D. Roth
The DGA President’s Award was given to Jay D. Roth for leadership and efforts in enhancing the welfare and image of not only of DGA, but the industry overall.
Robert B. Aldrich Service Award: Thomas Schlamme
Thomas Schlamme received this award in recognition of his service to the Directors Guild of America and its membership.
Frank Capra Achievement Award: Marie Cantin
The Frank Capra Achievement Award, which recognizes an assistant director of unit production manager, was given to Marie Cantin for her career achievement in the industry and service to DGA.
Who is your favorite director to turn to for inspiration, and why? Let us know in the comments below!