DGA Announces Nominees for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film For 2020

Tuesday, Mar. 9, 2021

LOS ANGELES

--(SPW)--

Directors Guild of America President Thomas Schlamme today announced the five nominees for the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film for 2020.

“Throughout these challenging and isolating times, the universal power of film has served such a meaningful role in our culture—helping fulfill our needs for human connection, expanding our worldviews, and keeping us inspired through stunning storytelling and artistry,” said Schlamme. “I congratulate our five nominees whose diverse and extraordinary films embodied that universal power in a year that will never be forgotten.”

The winners will be announced at the 73rd Annual DGA Awards on Saturday, April 10, 2021, which will be a private virtual event for DGA members.

Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film
The nominees for the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film for 2020 are (in alphabetical order):

Lee Isaac Chung

Minari (A24)

Mr. Chung’s Directorial Team:

Unit Production Manager: Dylan Brodie
First Assistant Director: Jeff Dubray
Second Assistant Director: Ann Laudick
Second Second Assistant Director: Stephen J. Hanan

Emerald Fennell

Promising Young Woman (Focus Features)

Ms. Fennell’s Directorial Team:

Unit Production Manager: Reena Magsarili Raasch
First Assistant Director: Michael T. Meador
Second Assistant Director: Alexander Armero
Second Second Assistant Director: Anthony Manzo

David Fincher

Mank (Netflix)

Mr. Fincher’s Directorial Team:

Unit Production Manager: Allen Kupetsky
First Assistant Director: Richard Goodwin
Second Assistant Director: Samantha McGrady
Second Second Assistant Director: Matt McKinnon
Additional Second Assistant Directors: Jeff Goodell, John Stern, George Williams III

Aaron Sorkin

The Trial of the Chicago 7 (Netflix; DreamWorks Pictures)

Mr. Sorkin’s Directorial Team:

Unit Production Managers: Charles Miller, Stuart M. Besser, Jonathan Shoemaker
First Assistant Director: Joseph P. Reidy
Second Assistant Director: Rachel Jaros
Second Second Assistant Director: Justin Bischoff
Location Managers: Dennis Voskov, Nick Rafferty (Chicago Unit)

Chloé Zhao

Nomadland (Searchlight Pictures)

Ms. Zhao’s Directorial Team:

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

Nominees for First-Time Feature Film Director Category Announced
In addition, Schlamme announced the five nominees for the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement of a First-Time Feature Film Director for 2020.

“Fresh storytelling and new voices are what drive our industry forward,” added Schlamme. “That’s the spirit of this award, and we’re so proud to spotlight the achievements of these immensely talented first-time feature directors who so skillfully brought their unique visions to life. Congratulations to all of the nominees.”

Outstanding Directorial Achievement in First-Time Feature Film
The nominees for the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement of a First-Time Feature Film Director for 2020 are (in alphabetical order):

Radha Blank

The Forty-Year-Old Version (Netflix)

Ms. Blank’s Directorial Team:

Unit Production Manager: James Price
First Assistant Director: Michael L. Walker
Second Assistant Director: Kenyon Noble
Second Second Assistant Director: Jonathan Santos
Location Managers: Katarina Dedicova, Tim Stacker

Fernando Frías de la Parra

I’m No Longer Here (Netflix)

Mr. Frías’s Directorial Team:

Production Managers: Martín Pérez Valle, Assia Fratz (New York Unit)
First Assistant Director: Carlos Suazo
Second Assistant Directors: Alí Santiago, Alex Burstein (New York Unit)
Second Second Assistant Directors: Karen Alcázar, Anthony James Faure (New York Unit)

Regina King

One Night in Miami (Amazon Studios)

Ms. King’s Directorial Team: