Awards season is in full swing, and the Directors Guild of America (DGA) has announced its first wave of 2025 nominees, showcasing the extraordinary talent behind some of the year’s most compelling television, commercials, and documentaries. While the spotlight usually shines on familiar heavyweights like Shōgun, True Detective, and The Bear, this year’s nominations introduced Ayo Edebiri, making a splash with her directorial debut for the critically acclaimed episode "Doors" in The Bear’s third season.
Television’s Finest
In the Dramatic Series category, familiar faces like Alex Graves are recognized for their work on The Diplomat. Meanwhile, Hiromi Kamata’s brilliance is captured in Shōgun with the episode "Ladies of the Willow World", alongside Issa López with True Detective: Night Country, and Freddy E.O. Toye, adding depth to the Shōgun saga with "Crimson Sky". Not to be overshadowed, Jonathan Van Tulleken leaves a lasting impression with Shōgun‘s "Anjin". The Bear showcases its versatility in the Comedy Series nominations with episodes directed by Duccio Fabbri, Christopher Storer, and the multi-talented Ayo Edebiri. The significant conversations incited by these episodes illustrate the seamless blend of narrative and direction that has captivated audiences.
Small Screen Majesty
In the realm of Movies for Television and Limited Series, the presence of auteurs like Alfonso Cuarón for Disclaimer signals the annual recognition of filmmakers who’ve deftly managed the transition between cinema and television. Kevin Bray and Jennifer Getzinger, with their work on various episodes of The Penguin, further emphasize the dominance of storytelling innovation on the small screen. Notable entries also include Steven Zaillian for his work on Ripley, proving that the art of episodic storytelling continues to evolve and thrive.
Directing Diversity
Beyond series, the DGA nods in the Variety, Talk, News, and Sports categories underline the diversity of skills needed in different TV formats. The works of Paul G. Casey, Jim Hoskinson, David Paul Meyer, Liz Patrick, and Paul Pennolino show a dynamic range in episodes from shows such as Real Time with Bill Maher and The Daily Show. Just as diverse and equally engaging are the Specials, where directors like Hamish Hamilton and Beth McCarthy Miller capture significant events with ease, from the glamour of the Academy Awards to the humorous Roast of Tom Brady.
Commercials and Documentaries
Unsurprisingly, the commercial world has seen directors like Lance Acord, Kim Gehrig, and the duo Tim Heidecker & Eric Wareheim innovating ad storytelling to resonate with modern audiences, as seen with memorable campaigns for brands like Volkswagen and CeraVe. The Documentary nominations, headlined by the storytelling prowess of Brendan Bellomo & Slava Leontyev’s Porcelain War and Johan Grimonprez’s Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat, bring to light narratives that challenge, inform, and inspire.
Closing Credits
The 2025 DGA nominations underscore an impressive display of talent and creativity, celebrating a diverse array of directors who’ve shaped our viewing experiences on multiple platforms. As these gifted individuals await the final verdict from the Guild, viewers, critics, and fellow creators prepare for yet another extraordinary year in entertainment. Stay tuned for the announcement of the film directing nominees soon—no doubt promising further excitement and recognition for cinematic excellence.
Explore the full list of nominees on the DGA’s official website.
