Oscar-winning filmmaker Christopher Nolan has been elected president of the Directors Guild of America (DGA), the organization announced late Saturday. Nolan, fresh off the global success of Oppenheimer, called the appointment “one of the greatest honors of my career.”
A Union at a Turning Point
The DGA, which represents more than 19,500 film and television directors worldwide, plays a key role in shaping industry standards and negotiating contracts with studios and streaming platforms. Nolan succeeds outgoing president Lesli Linka Glatter, who led the guild through the Hollywood labor strikes of 2023.
“Our industry is experiencing tremendous change, and I thank the Guild’s membership for entrusting me with this responsibility,” Nolan said. He emphasized his commitment to advancing “creative and economic protections” for members during a period of technological disruption and evolving distribution models.
Champion of Film Stock and Theatrical Experience
Nolan’s election follows the resounding success of Oppenheimer, shot entirely on large-format 70mm and IMAX film. The movie grossed more than $976 million worldwide, reaffirming the commercial appeal of film-based cinema at a time when digital formats dominate.
A decade ago, Kodak nearly halted film production amid bankruptcy concerns. Nolan, alongside filmmakers like Martin Scorsese, successfully rallied to keep film stock alive. Recent hits, including Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, have further demonstrated the medium’s enduring draw.
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Upcoming Negotiations
The DGA’s current three-year agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) expires next year. The AMPTP congratulated Nolan on his election, stating they “look forward to partnering with President Nolan to address the issues most important to DGA members while ensuring our member companies remain competitive.”
Leadership Team and Legacy
Officers elected to serve alongside Nolan include Ron Howard, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Laura Belsey, and former DGA president Paris Barclay. High-profile board members such as Steven Spielberg and Phil Lord will also help steer the guild.
Founded in 1936 as the Screen Directors Guild, the DGA has been led by iconic filmmakers including Frank Capra, George Stevens, Joseph L. Mankiewicz, Robert Wise, Michael Apted, and Martha Coolidge.
Nolan has been a DGA member since 2001 and has served on its National Board and Western Directors Council since 2015. He has also chaired the guild’s committees on theatrical creative rights and artificial intelligence.
What’s Next for Nolan
Nolan’s presidency coincides with his upcoming project, a highly anticipated adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey, slated to open in theaters on July 17, 2026.
