Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert — a.k.a. the Daniels — the duo behind the sci-fi comedy Everything Everywhere All At Once, won the top prize at the Directors Guild of America’s DGA awards on Saturday night. They became the third directing duo ever to win.

The Daniels beat out Steven Spielberg, who holds the record for the most nominations and wins, at 13 and three, respectively. Spielberg was gunning for his 4th trophy, for the semi-autobiographical The Fabelmans.

“This has been an incredible year for our little film that somehow keeps going,” Kwan said. This was the first DGA Award nomination for the filmmakers.

Bill Hader won the comedy award for directing the “Barry” episode “710N”; he was not in attendance on Saturday. This is his third DGA award, having also won the category in 2019 and 2020.

In the limited series/TV movie category, Helen Shaver won for “Station Eleven.” Having started her career as an actor, Shaver recounted her journey to becoming a director. “Thank you DGA for recognizing me as one of your peers,” she said. This was Shaver’s first DGA award nomination; she previously won a Directors Guild of Canada award for the episode (“Who’s There?”) and previously won Directors Guild of Canada awards for “Vikings.”

In the first-time theatrical feature film category, which was renamed this year in honor of legendary filmmaker Michael Apted, “Aftersun” director Charlotte Wells won the award.

The night kicked off with “Fire of Love” director Sara Dosa winning the prize for best documentary. It was her first nomination and first win at the DGA Awards. “It’s been truly a struggle and I’m so grateful to have my dream job,” she said.

Glenn Weiss won his ninth DGA Award (his first for 2018), this time for CBS’ 75th Annual Tony Awards, in the variety/talk/news/sports — specials. Weiss revealed that he eloped with his now-wife Jan on Valentine’s Day; the director famously and very publicly proposed to his girlfriend on stage during the Emmy Awards in 2018.

“Saturday Night Live” director Liz Patrick won the award for variety/talk/news/sports — series for helming the episode featuring host and musical guest Jack Harlow. This was Patrick’s first DGA Awards nomination and first win. And in children’s programs, Anne Renton won for Apple TV+’s “Best Foot Forward.” This was also her first DGA Award nomination and first win.

DGA president Lesli Linka Glatter opened the awards show by briefly discussing the upcoming guild contract negotiations with the town’s studios.

“In this ever changing, complicated and sometimes hostile environment for creative people in our industry – we are committed to ensuring that creative excellence and economic stability continue so you can realize your vision,” she said. “And I can guarantee you one thing – the DGA is going to fight like hell to protect that future for our directors and their teams.

“Later this spring, we will be back at the table.  And rest assured – we will be ready. It comes down to this: we are all partners in this business. Partners. Which means negotiating a new contract that continues to treat our members fairly and with respect, that recognizes and rewards our vital contributions to this industry no matter how it evolves, that reinforces our shared interest in building a healthy, vibrant, stable business that will entertain and inspire audiences around the world.

“The DGA is prepared and ready to fight for an excellent deal to protect the future for directors and their teams — and that is exactly what we are going to achieve,” she added.

Also during the ceremony, Robert Fishman received the Lifetime Achievement Award for TV direction; first assistant director Mark Hansson received the Frank Capra Achievement Award for an assistant director or unit production manager and stage manager; and Valdez Flagg received the Franklin J. Schaffner Achievement Award for an associate director or stage manager.

Judd Apatow was back to host this year’s ceremony. The event, which returned live last year after going virtual in 2021, and is part of a busy holiday weekend on the kudos gauntlet that also includes the BAFTA and Art Directors Guild events. Here’s a look at this year’s winners.