Anora's Sean Baker takes home top prize at DGA Awards

'Anora's Sean Baker won the coveted Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film prize at the Directors Guild of America (DGA) Awards on Saturday (08.02.25) night.

'Anora's Sean Baker won the coveted Best Film prize at the Directors Guild of America (DGA) Awards on Saturday (08.02.25) night.

The 53-year-old filmmaker beat off competition from Jacques Audiard ('Emilia Perez'), Edward Berger ('Conclave'), Brady Corbet ('The Brutalist') and James Mangold ('A Complete Unknown') to take the prestigious Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film for his comedy drama and admitted "imposter syndrome" had set in as a result.

Speaking on stage at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Los Angeles, he said: “My imposter syndrome is skyrocketing right now, as well as my cortisol levels. It’s such an honour to be recognised by my peers.”

He went on to thank his directing team, cast, crew and producers.

He said: "Obviously I’ve tortured you and I’m so sorry. They were able to pull off a $6 million film shot on film in New York City in 2023—almost an impossibilty.”

And praising the cast who "put everything into it", Sean went on to single out lead actress Mikey Madison.

He said: “Working with [Madison] has changed the way I will be directing actors in the future, because of what she gave. Hearing her incredible ideas… a year before production, what she wanted to bring to the production and what she did bring to it. [She has] an incredible career ahead.”

The win will likely make Sean a frontrunner for the Best Director prize at the upcoming Academy Awards as 19 or the last 22 DGA Theatrical Feature awards have gone on to win the accolade at the Oscars, with a total of just eight failing to do so since the DGA established the honour in 1948.

Elsewhere at the ceremony, RaMell Ross bagged the Michael Apted First-Time Theatrical Feature Film prize for 'Nickel Boys', while the Documentary honour went to Brendan Bellomo and Slava Leontyev for 'Porcelain War'.

On the TV side, 'Shogun' director Frederick E.O. Toye won the Dramatic Series category for the 'Crimson Sky' episode, while the 'Hacks' episode titled 'Bulletproof' led Lucia Aniello to a win for Comedy Series, despite 'The Bear' having three nominations in the category. Similarly, 'The Penguin' had three places on the Movies for Television/Limited Series shortlist but it was won by Steven Zaillian for 'Ripley'.

Michelle Yeoh presented Ang Lee with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The veteran filmmaker said: “I hope that my whole career can be a never-ending film school.”

The event was hosted by Judd Apatow for the sixth time and he poked fun at the work of himself in contrast to Ang's impressive filmography.

He quipped: “In the same year, 2005, Ang Lee made the groundbreaking movie 'Brokeback Mountain', I made 'The 40-Year-Old Virgin', which featured two guys saying, ‘You know how I know you’re gay?’ for a solid five minutes.

"That is why he is being honoured and I am hosting for the sixth time.”

DGA Awards list of winners:

Theatrical Feature Film:

Sean Baker – ‘Anora’

Michael Apted First-Time Theatrical Feature Film:

RaMell Ross – ‘Nickel Boys’

Documentary:

Brendan Bellomo and Slava Leontyev – ‘Porcelain War’

Dramatic Series:

Frederick E.O. Toye – ‘Shōgun’, ‘Crimson Sky’

Comedy:

Lucia Aniello – ‘Hacks’, ‘Bulletproof’