DGA Awards 2023: Two Bear directors nominated in Comedy Category

The Directors Guild of America (DGA) has recently unveiled the nominees for its 76th Annual Awards, recognizing outstanding directorial achievement in television across various categories. Among the nominees, the Comedy Series category stands out with an impressive lineup, but particularly noteworthy are the directors behind the hit series The Bear.

The Bear, a FX show known for its unique storytelling and comedic brilliance, has earned multiple nominations in the Comedy Series category. The directors recognized for their outstanding work on this show include Christopher Storer and Ramy Youssef.

Christopher Storer’s Nomination for “Fishes”

Christopher Storer, acclaimed for his work on The Bear, received a nomination for the episode titled “Fishes.” Storer’s direction in this episode demonstrated a keen understanding of comedic timing and a creative approach to storytelling. His ability to bring out the best in the cast and capture the essence of the series has rightfully earned him a place among the DGA nominees.

Ramy Youssef’s Nomination for “Honeydew”

Ramy’s Ramy Youssef, a multi-talented artist known for his work as an actor, writer, and now director, secured a nomination for the episode “Honeydew” from The Bear. Youssef’s direction in this particular installment showcased his versatility behind the camera. His unique vision and comedic sensibilities contributed significantly to the success of The Bear, making him a strong contender for the DGA Award. You can also see Youssef in Poor Things.

The Unique Appeal of The Bear

The series, coming next month to film Season 3, has garnered attention for its refreshing take on comedy, blending humor with insightful storytelling. The show’s success can be attributed, in part, to the collaborative efforts of its directors, each bringing their distinct style to different episodes.

See all of the nominations below:

Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Dramatic Series

  1. Peter Hoar
    • The Last of Us, “Long, Long Time” (HBO | MAX)
  2. Becky Martin
    • Succession, “Rehearsal” (HBO | MAX)
  3. Mark Mylod
    • Succession, “Connor’s Wedding” (HBO | MAX)
  4. Andrij Parekh
    • Succession, “America Decides” (HBO | MAX)
  5. Robert Pulcini & Shari Springer Berman
    • Succession, “Tailgate Party” (HBO | MAX)

Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series

  1. Erica Dunton
    • Ted Lasso, “La Locker Room Aux Folles” (Apple TV+)
  2. Bill Hader
    • Barry, “wow” (HBO | MAX)
  3. Declan Lowney
    • Ted Lasso, “So Long, Farewell” (Apple TV+)
  4. Christopher Storer
    • The Bear, “Fishes” (FX)
  5. Ramy Youssef
    • The Bear, “Honeydew” (FX)

Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Movies for Television and Limited Series

  1. Shawn Levy
    • All the Light We Cannot See (Netflix)
  2. Tara Miele
    • Lessons in Chemistry, “Introduction to Chemistry” (Apple TV+)
  3. Millicent Shelton
    • Lessons in Chemistry, “Poirot” (Apple TV+)
  4. Sarah Adina Smith
    • Lessons in Chemistry, “Her and Him” (Apple TV+)
  5. Nzingha Stewart
    • Daisy Jones & The Six, “Track 10: Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide” (Amazon)

Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Variety/Talk/News/Sports – Regularly Scheduled Programming

  1. Paul G. Casey
    • Real Time with Bill Maher, “Episode 2117” (HBO | MAX)
  2. Jim Hoskinson
    • The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, “Jan. 19, 2023: Rep. Adam Kinzinger; Meet Me at the Altar; Special appearance by Harvey Guillén” (CBS)
  3. Michael Mancini & Liz Patrick
    • Saturday Night Live, “Pedro Pascal / Coldplay” (NBC)
  4. David Paul Meyer
    • The Daily Show, “Singer Charley Crockett Performs “Name on a Billboard” and Discusses New Album with Jordan Klepper” (Comedy Central)
  5. Paul Pennolino
    • Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, “Episode 1018: Dollar Stores” (HBO | MAX)

Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Variety/Talk/News/Sports – Specials

  1. Joel Gallen
    • Chris Rock: Selective Outrage (Netflix)
  2. Stan Lathan
    • Dave Chappelle: The Dreamer (Netflix)
  3. Linda Mendoza
    • Wanda Sykes: I’m an Entertainer (Netflix)
  4. Paul Miller
    • Carol Burnett: 90 Years of Laughter + Love (NBC)
  5. Glenn Weiss
    • The 95th Annual Academy Awards (ABC)

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Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Reality Programs

  1. Niharika Desai
    • Rainn Wilson and the Geography of Bliss, “Happiness is a Bottle of Cod Liver Oil” (Peacock)
  2. Ken Fuchs
    • The Golden Bachelor, “Premiere” (ABC)
  3. Joseph Guidry & Alexandra Lipsitz
    • Project Greenlight: A New Generation, “PGL vs. Gray Matter Problem” (HBO | MAX)
  4. Rich Kim
    • Lego Masters, “Is It Brick?” (FOX)
  5. Patrick McManus
    • American Ninja Warrior, “Season 15 Finale” (NBC)

Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Children’s Programs

  1. James Bobin
    • Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (Disney+)
  2. Jason Chaet
    • The Bureau of Magical Things, “A Witch’s Tale” (Nickelodeon)
  3. Kabir Akhtar
    • Big Nate (Peacock)
  4. Tara Miele
    • Lessons in Chemistry, “Introduction to Chemistry” (Apple TV+)
  5. Millicent Shelton
    • Lessons in Chemistry, “Her and Him” (Apple TV+)

Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Commercials

  1. Fredrik Bond
    • Apple, “Get a Mac – Behind the Mac”
  2. Spike Jonze
    • Squarespace, “A Star”
  3. Mikael Marcimain
    • IKEA, “Fortune Teller”
  4. Steve Rogers
    • Nike, “Equality”
  5. Mark Romanek
    • Kia, “Movement that Inspires”

Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Documentary

  1. Jimmy Chin & Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi
    • The Rescue (National Geographic)
  2. Jon M. Chu
    • In the Heights: Finding Home (HBO | MAX)
  3. Lauren Greenfield
    • The Kingmaker (Showtime)
  4. Chris Smith
    • Val (Amazon)
  5. Nanfu Wang & Jialing Zhang
    • In the Same Breath (HBO | MAX)

While Storer and Youssef face stiff competition from other talented directors in the Comedy Series category, their nominations underscore the impact The Bear has had on the television landscape. The show’s recognition by the DGA is a testament to the outstanding directorial contributions that have elevated it to critical acclaim.

Stay tuned for the DGA Awards ceremony on February 10, 2024, at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, where the winners will be revealed and celebrated for their exceptional contributions to the world of television.


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