Paul Thomas Anderson Dedicates BAFTA Director Prize to Late Producer

Variety

by Alex Ritman

February 22, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Paul Thomas Anderson won the BAFTA Film Award for Best Director for his politically charged satire *One Battle After Another*, a film that has been a standout in the awards season. During his acceptance speech, Anderson humorously remarked, “I feel like the prettiest girl in the room right now,” but quickly shifted to a heartfelt dedication of the award to the late producer and assistant director Adam Somner, who had passed away before the film’s completion. Anderson praised Somner’s contributions to the industry, noting his impact on the production and the profound effect his illness had on the team during filming. Anderson’s win marks a significant milestone in his career, as it is his first BAFTA for Best Director. He had previously been nominated for *We Will Be Blood* and *Licorice Pizza*. The film, loosely inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s novel *Vineland*, follows a group of revolutionaries reuniting to rescue a comrade’s daughter from an old enemy. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, and breakout actor Chase Infiniti, the film has earned widespread acclaim for its ambitious scope and narrative complexity. *One Battle After Another* entered the BAFTA Awards with 14 nominations, just two shy of the record set by *Gandhi*. The film also boasts 13 Oscar nominations, fueling hopes that Anderson could finally win an elusive Academy Award. Anderson’s career is already dotted with accolades, including Best Director at Cannes and multiple wins and nominations at major international festivals like Venice and Berlin. Anderson’s dedication to Somner during his BAFTA acceptance speech highlighted the emotional and collaborative nature of filmmaking. The film’s success in awards circuits underscores its significance in contemporary cinema and reinforces Anderson’s reputation as one of today’s most acclaimed directors. With its blend of political satire, intricate storytelling, and stellar cast, *One Battle After Another* continues to make waves in the entertainment industry, further cementing Anderson’s legacy in the world of film.

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Originally published on Variety on 2/22/2026