At the 78th Annual Directors Guild of America Awards, I had the pleasure of speaking with one of the most respected voices in directing — Paris Barclay.
If the name sounds familiar, it should. Barclay has directed everything from groundbreaking television to the iconic LL Cool J music video “Mama Said Knock You Out.” He has also served twice as President of the DGA and currently holds leadership as Secretary-Treasurer — making him not only a creative force, but a pillar of the directing community.
When I asked him what he looks for in a great film, his answer was clear:
“Is there a cohesive vision that moves or matters to me?”
For Barclay, it’s not about genre. Whether it’s something bold and chaotic or quiet and heartbreaking, he’s looking for storytelling that takes him somewhere new — a fresh point of view delivered with consistency and purpose.
“I really want a film that takes me someplace I haven’t been,” he shared. “Something cohesive in what it’s trying to convey.”
That cohesion, he explained, is what separates films that simply “clunk along” from those that elevate and transform the audience.
Why the DGA Awards Matter
As we celebrate 78 years of the DGA honoring directors, Barclay reflected on the Guild’s original mission — protecting creative rights and supporting directors at every level.
But the Awards do something more.
They bring filmmakers into awareness — not just to the public, but to the Guild itself.
He noted how directors like Christopher Nolan became more deeply involved with the DGA through nominations and participation, eventually stepping into leadership roles. The same is now happening with filmmakers like Ryan Coogler.
The Awards don’t just celebrate talent — they cultivate leadership.
Watch the full interview with Paris Barclay above.
