Paul Thomas Anderson Wins First Oscar for "One Battle After Another"

Paul Thomas Anderson finally won his first – and long overdue – Oscar for Best Director for "One Battle After Another".

“Thank you very, very much,” Anderson said in his acceptance speech. “You make a guy work hard for one of these. I really appreciate it. I share this with a friend of mine on the other side of the shadows. His name is Adam, and he is having a gin and tonic and is so happy for me and our crew. I want to thank the Academy for finding my work worthy of this highest honor. And my classmates: Chloé, Ryan, Joachim and Josh, I couldn’t ask for a better class. It’s an honor to be counted amongst you 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 wonderful 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. Thank you very much.”

'Buffy' Reboot Dead at Hulu, Sarah Michelle Gellar Says: 'If the Apocalypse Actually Comes, You Can Still Beep Me'

He was nominated alongside Chloé Zhao (“Hamnet”), Josh Safdie (“Marty Supreme”), Ryan Coogler (“Sinners”), and Joachim Trier (“Sentimental Value”).

“One Battle After Another” was nominated for 13 Oscars, including best picture, best actor for Leonardo DiCaprio, best supporting actor for both Benicio del Toro and Sean Penn, best supporting actress for Teyana Taylor and best adapted screenplay for Anderson.

Anderson was nominated for and won three Oscars at this year’s ceremony, for adapted screenplay and for best picture via his production duties. Previously, he has been nominated for 11 Oscars for his work on films like “Boogie Nights,” “There Will Be Blood” and “Phantom Thread,” but has never won.

During this award season, Anderson also won the BAFTA Film Award for best director. He dedicated the award to his producer and assistant director, Adam Somner, with whom he had worked for nearly two decades.

“About three weeks into our film, he found out he was sick, and he made it through production,” Anderson said. “If you’ve ever gone to work before with someone who’s very ill, there’s something miraculous that makes you pay attention and reminds you the privilege of the work that we do. So thank you for sending him to me.”