‘1917’ scoops top Hollywood director prize for Mendes

Hollywood's directors handed World War I thriller "1917" their top annual prize on Jan. 25, one of the final major award shows that typically spells success at next month's Oscars.

The win makes British auteur Sam Mendes hot favorite for the best director Oscar -- the Directors Guild of America Awards have correctly predicted the victor the past six years running.

The movie, which follows two British soldiers on a perilous mission across no man's land, has already scooped the Golden Globe for best drama, and has 10 Oscar nominations.

Mendes praised the work of fellow nominees Martin Scorsese ("The Irishman"), Quentin Tarantino ("Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood"), Bong Joon-ho ("Parasite") and Taika Waititi ("Jojo Rabbit.")

"To those who kick dirt on the grave of the movies -- not so fast," he said, dedicating the win to his grandfather, whose life inspired the film.

"I know it sounds a bit loopy but I did feel he was with us in a couple of occasions when I was struggling," said Mendes.

Victory also boosts the film's frontrunner status for the best picture Academy Award.

The win comes more than two decades after Mendes first received the DGA award for "American Beauty," a victory that led to Oscars wins for that film.

Mendes told AFP his first win had been "frightening to be pitched into this sort of frenzy," adding: "I'm 20 years older and I'm probably a little less scared."

The film's two lead actors paid tribute to Mendes.

"He's a master of so many mediums... he's pretty much done it all," said George MacKay.

"We'll be very excited to see what happens at the Oscars -- I've never been before!" his co-star Dean-Charles Chapman told AFP.

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