Danielle Solzman
The DGA Awards Theatrical Feature nominees for 2020 were announced today by Directors Guild of America President Thomas Schlamme.
“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.”
Today’s announcement gets us closer to the Oscar nomination announcement. The DGA is usually a solid predictor. We’ll see who doesn’t repeat a nomination when the Academy nominations are unveiled in the weeks to come.
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.
The nominees 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
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.”
The nominees 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:
- Unit Production Manager: Paul O. Davis
- First Assistant Director: Mark Anthony Little
- Second Assistant Director: Kevin O’Neil
Darius Marder, Sound of Metal (Amazon Studios)
Mr. Marder’s Directorial Team:
- Unit Production Manager: Amy Greene
- First Assistant Director: Matthew Vose Campbell
Florian Zeller, The Father (Sony Pictures Classics)
Mr. Zeller’s Directorial Team:
- First Assistant Director: George Every
- Second Assistant Director: Jamie D. Allen
