In 1936, thirteen outstanding motion picture Directors, hoping to achieve proper recognition and creative freedom for their fellow Directors, created the Screen Directors Guild, representing about 75 Director members.

in 1960, the Screen Directors Guild merged with the Radio and Television Directors Guild (formed in 1947 as the Radio Directors Guild) and forged the new Directors Guild of America, Inc.

A History of the DGA Awards

In 1948, George Marshall, the President of then named Screen Directors Guild announced to its senior members that the Guild would begin an Awards program to honor directors for their directorial achievement. Awards would be given on a quarterly basis, and would culminate in the presentation of the Annual Award for the Best Directorial Achievement to the winning director at the General Membership Meeting.

58 years later, the Awards have grown to include television, documentaries, commercials, and Special Guild Service Awards including the Guild's highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Florida State University College of Motion Picture, Television and Recording Arts, considers the DGA honor of 2004 to be one of the pinnacles of recognition by members of the Film Industry and is very proud of this achievement.