Oscars 2026: Paul Thomas Anderson named Best Director Paul Thomas Anderson won the Best Director Oscar for One Battle After Another. 16 March 2026 Paul Thomas Anderson admitted it was a "pleasure" and a "wonderful gift" to receive his first Best Director Oscar on Sunday (15.03.26). Paul Thomas Anderson won Best Director The 55-year-old filmmaker - who has received 14 Oscar nominations over the years - picked up his second award of the night for One Battle After Another, and dedicated his win to late producer Adam Somner.