The closest thing to a surprise was Charlie Polinger but considering he’d picked up a few precursors, it’s not entirely left-field.

The Awards

Best Director

Paul Thomas Anderson – One Battle After Another WL PP TL

Best First Feature

Charlie Polinger – The Plague Nil

Best Documentary Director

Mstyslav Chernov – 2000 Meters to Andriivka TL

Directors Guild of America Data

Year Founded: 1936
First Awards: 1948 (78)