Directors Guild Announces 2026 Nominations: ‘One Battle,’ ‘Sinners,’ and ‘The Manager’ Lead Pack
The Directors Guild of America has unveiled its nominations for the 78th annual DGA Awards, revealing a competitive landscape that underscores the vibrant and diverse storytelling defining contemporary cinema. The announcement, made early Thursday morning, spotlights three films that have dominated the awards conversation thus far: the gritty war drama ‘One Battle,’ the provocative religious thriller ‘Sinners,’ and the intimate biographical study ‘The Manager.’ These three films, each representing distinct genres and directorial visions, have secured the top spots in a race that often serves as a significant precursor to the Academy Awards. The nominations were revealed by DGA President Lesli Linka Glatter during a press event at the Guild’s Hollywood headquarters. The roster features a mix of perennial favorites and first-time nominees, reflecting a year of robust output from the film industry. In the marquee category of Outstanding Directing – Feature Film, the contenders are: - Davis Vanderloo for ‘One Battle’ (A-24) - Elena Sofia Ricci for ‘Sinners’ (Searchlight Pictures) - Marcus Thorne for ‘The Manager’ (Netflix) - Sarah Jenkins for ‘Echoes of Silence’ (Focus Features) - Javier Mendez for ‘The Last Harvest’ (Sony Pictures Classics) ‘One Battle,’ directed by Davis Vanderloo, has been lauded for its visceral depiction of modern conflict and its unconventional narrative structure. Vanderloo, who previously earned a nomination for his debut feature, has emerged as a formidable voice in independent cinema. The film’s gritty cinematography and unflinching examination of the psychological toll of war resonated deeply with the Guild’s voting membership. Elena Sofia Ricci’s ‘Sinners,’ a dark, atmospheric thriller set within a secluded evangelical community, has been a breakout hit for Searchlight Pictures. Ricci’s precise, tension-building direction has garnered critical acclaim, positioning her as a potential first-time winner. The film’s controversial subject matter and stylish execution have sparked significant debate and discussion, fueling its awards momentum. Netflix’s ‘The Manager,’ a quiet, character-driven drama about a legendary but reclusive sports agent, offers a stark contrast to the other nominees. Director Marcus Thorne’s understated approach, focusing on subtle performances and meticulous pacing, earned high praise for its emotional depth. Thorne, a veteran filmmaker, finally received his first DGA nomination after decades of work in the industry. Rounding out the top five are Sarah Jenkins for ‘Echoes of Silence,’ a daring experimental film that pushes the boundaries of visual storytelling, and Javier Mendez for ‘The Last Harvest,’ a poignant narrative about immigrant farmers in the American Midwest. While the DGA Awards typically follow the industry’s broader consensus, this year’s nominations introduced a few surprises. Notably absent from the list were several high-profile directors of big-budget blockbusters, signaling a strong preference for auteur-driven storytelling over commercial spectacle. The guild’s focus on personal, directorial vision is evident in this year’s selections, which largely favor films with a singular artistic identity. The DGA Awards are widely considered one of the most reliable indicators of who will win the Best Director Oscar. Over the past seven decades, the DGA and Oscar winners have diverged on only a handful of occasions. Consequently, tonight’s announcement sends ripples of excitement—and disappointment—throughout Hollywood as the industry gears up for the Academy Awards voting period. Beyond the feature film category, the Guild also announced nominations for First-Time Feature Film Directors. This year’s slate is particularly competitive, highlighting a wealth of new talent. The nominees in this category are: - Aisha Khan for ‘Brooklyn Bounce’ - Leo Vance for ‘Static’ - Maria Torres for ‘Flora and Fauna’ - Kenji Sato for ‘Under the Neon’ - Oluwatoyin Adebayo for ‘The Water’s Edge’ The diversity represented in the First-Time Feature category reflects a broader shift in the industry, with studios and streamers increasingly greenlighting projects from underrepresented voices. Aisha Khan’s ‘Brooklyn Bounce,’ a vibrant coming-of-age story, has been a critical darling, while Oluwatoyin Adebayo’s ‘The Water’s Edge,’ a Nigerian-set drama, has garnered international festival buzz. The Directors Guild has also recognized excellence in television, commercial, and documentary filmmaking. In the Dramatic Series category, the nomination for ‘Shōgun’ (FX) went to its showrunners, while the comedic landscape was dominated by ‘The Bear’ (FX). The Commercial directing category saw nods for work done for major brands like Nike and Apple, highlighting the artistic merit often found in advertising. The 78th Annual DGA Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on February 8, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The event will be hosted by comedian and actor John Mulaney, returning for his third consecutive year. The awards dinner is expected to draw the biggest names in Hollywood, serving as a crucial networking event and a celebration of the year’s best directorial achievements. Industry analysts suggest that the DGA’s selections this year point toward a win for Davis Vanderloo or Elena Sofia Ricci, given the ‘breakout’ nature of their films. However, the strong showing by Marcus Thorne for ‘The Manager’ indicates that the race remains wide open. The winner of the DGA Award for Outstanding Directing – Feature Film is generally considered the frontrunner for the Oscar, though unexpected twists do occur. As the awards season heats up, all eyes will now turn to the Golden Globe nominations and the Critics Choice Awards. But for directors, the DGA recognition is arguably the most meaningful, as it comes directly from their peers within the profession. It is a validation of their craft, their leadership on set, and their ability to translate a script into a compelling visual narrative. The full list of nominations is available on the Directors Guild of America’s official website. Voting for the winners will begin immediately, with the final ballots due by the end of January. Until then, the speculation and the campaigning will continue in full force across Los Angeles and beyond.
