Paul Thomas Anderson won his first career Oscar for Best Director for “One Battle After Another.”
“Thank you very much,” Anderson said in his acceptance speech. “You make a guy work hard for a job like this. I really appreciate it. I’m going to share this with my friend on the other side of the shadows. His name is Adam, he’s drinking gin and tonic, and he’s so happy for me and our staff.” I would like to thank the Academy for finding my work worthy of this highest honor. And to my classmates, Chloe, Ryan, Joachim, and Josh, I couldn’t ask for a better class.” guys. There will always be some doubt in your heart that you deserve it, but there is no question at the pleasure having it for myself. I’m here because of people’s faith in me that give me their faith and their time, and that’s the best part about being on a film crew is being with people. We need each other. This is a gift and I’m so happy to call the movies home. This is really terrific. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love it. Thank you, guys. ”
He was nominated along with Chloé Zhao (“Hamnet”), Josh Safdie (“Marty Supreme”), Ryan Coogler (“Sinners”) and Joachim Trier (“Sentimental Value”).
One Battle After Another was nominated for 13 Oscars, winning Best Picture and Best Actor for Leonardo DiCaprio, Best Supporting Actor for Benicio Del Toro and Sean Penn, Best Supporting Actress for Teyana Taylor, and Best Original Screenplay for Anderson.
Anderson was nominated for and won three Oscars at this year’s ceremony: Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Picture for Best Picture. He has been nominated for 11 Oscars for films such as “Boogie Nights,” “There Will Be Blood,” and “Phantom Thread,” but has never won.
During this awards season, Anderson also won the BAFTA Film Award for Best Director. He dedicated the award to producer and assistant director Adam Somner, with whom he has worked for nearly 20 years.
“About three weeks into making the movie, he found out he was sick, but we managed to get through filming,” Anderson said. “If you’ve ever gone to work with a seriously ill person, there will be miraculous events that make you pay attention and remind you of the privilege of our work. So thank you for sending him to me.”
See the complete list of Oscar winners here.
