Christopher Nolan, the acclaimed director behind such films as "Oppenheimer," "Inception," and "The Dark Knight," has been elected as the new president of the Directors Guild of America (DGA). The DGA announced the election on Saturday, September 20, 2025, following a vote by the union. Nolan will be taking over the leadership from outgoing president Lesli Linka Glatter, who served two terms since 2021.
Nolan's election to the DGA presidency marks a significant moment for the guild and the film industry. With over 19,500 members, the DGA represents directors, assistant directors, stage managers, unit production managers, and production associates. Nolan, who has been a member of the DGA since 2001 and has served on the National Board since 2015, is now the public face of this influential organization. Other newly elected guild leaders include First Vice President Todd Holland, Second Vice President Ron Howard, and Third Vice President Gina Prince-Bythewood. Laura Belsey was also named national vice-president and Paris Barclay as secretary-treasurer.
In a statement, Nolan expressed his gratitude and commitment to his new role: "To be elected President of the Directors Guild of America is one of the greatest honors of my career. Our industry is experiencing tremendous change, and I thank the Guild's membership for entrusting me with this responsibility. I also want to thank President Glatter for her leadership over the past four years. I look forward to collaborating with her and the newly elected Board to achieve important creative and economic protections for our members".
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers also released a statement congratulating Nolan and expressing their eagerness to collaborate with him: "We look forward to partnering with President Nolan to address the issues most important to DGA members while ensuring our member companies remain competitive in a rapidly changing industry".
Nolan's election is particularly noteworthy given his stature in Hollywood. He is known not only for his filmmaking, which often explores complex themes and pushes the boundaries of cinematic storytelling, but also for his advocacy for the theatrical experience and his views on the impact of streaming and AI on the film industry. He has championed the power of IMAX and has been a vocal proponent of preserving cinemas as essential for the culture and craft of cinema.
Looking ahead, Nolan and the DGA leadership will be entering into negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers in 2026 regarding their basic agreement with studios and streamers. Nolan's experience and prominence in the industry are expected to amplify the DGA's voice on critical issues facing filmmakers. Furthermore, he will serve as the public face of the DGA in any potential labor disputes.
Nolan's next film, an adaptation of Homer's "The Odyssey" starring Matt Damon and Tom Holland, is set to open on July 16, 2026.
