Peaking at just the right moment, Sam Mendes’ 1917 takes the prize from the DGA, making it even more likely that the Academy will go the same direction. There’s still the possibility that Parasite can overcome, but since no foreign language film has ever done it, it would be quite surprising if that trend were to suddenly be broken.

The Awards

Best Director

Sam Mendes – 1917 (Wesley, Peter, Thomas, RU:Tripp)

Best First Feature

Alma Har’el – Honey Boy (Thomas, RU:Wesley, RU:Tripp)

Best Documentary Director

American Factory (Peter, Thomas, RU:Wesley)

Directors Guild of America Data

Year Founded: 1936
First Awards: 1948 (72)