Entry Criteria:

Director Eligibility:

• This award category is open to both DGA and non-DGA first-time theatrical feature film Directors.
• The Director may also be eligible in the Theatrical Feature Film category, provided the film meets the Theatrical Feature Film eligibility criteria, as it differs.
• A Director with a prior feature film that has been released theatrically in an international market or went straight to DVD, VOD, or television is not eligible to enter in this category.

Film Eligibility:

• A feature-length film is defined as more than 40 minutes.
• The film must be released in a paid admission commercial motion picture theater in Los Angeles or New York during the period of January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025.
• The film must be theatrically exhibited for at least seven (7) consecutive days and be advertised and exploited during its Los Angeles or New York qualifying run in a manner customary with industry practice.
• Feature films that are exhibited theatrically and exhibited or distributed simultaneously ("day-and-date") on any other platforms are eligible.
• International films that meet the criteria are eligible. Non-English language submissions must be subtitled in English.
• Feature films exhibited or distributed on free television, a pay cable service, Internet, DVD or any other format or delivery system in the continental United States prior to theatrical release are not eligible.
• Re-releases, animated films, and documentaries are not eligible.

Credit:
• The Director must have exercised all traditional theatrical feature film directorial functions in connection with original photography and received an on-screen “Directed By” credit.

Entry Requirements:
• The Director must submit a completed DGA Awards entry form. A confirmation e-mail will be sent upon receipt of the entry form.

Entry Links:
• The Director must provide a secure, password-protected HD link of the First-Time Theatrical Feature Film, to be forwarded to the members of the DGA Awards First-Time Theatrical Feature Film Screening Committee. HD links that do not meet the following criteria will not be accepted.
• All submission links must:
  • Include the film’s start and end credits; and a “DIRECTED BY” credit.
  • Go directly to the entry. The link should not allow viewers to access any other project or contain any additional information about the project.
  • Not require additional information to access the entry beyond a password. Viewers should not be asked to enter their email address or create an account.
  • Include at least 150 unique views or access codes.
  • Not have geo-blocking enabled as there may be international jury participation.
  • Remain active for the duration of Awards. Link views should not expire before Friday, February 6, 2026.
  • A watermark may be included provided it does not obscure the entry.

Entry Deadline:

• All First-Time Theatrical Feature Film entry forms and HD link submissions must be received in the Awards office by 5:00 p.m. PT on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2025. No entries will be accepted after the deadline.

Judging Process:

• All eligible First-Time Theatrical Feature Film entries will be viewed by a Screening Committee of DGA Members who have worked on Theatrical Films. The entries that receive the highest number of votes will be announced as the 2025 Michael Apted Award for First-Time Theatrical Feature Film Nominees on Thursday, January 8, 2026.


• The First-Time Theatrical Feature Film Screening Committee will then vote by secret ballot to select the Winner of the 2025 Michael Apted Award for First-Time Theatrical Feature Film. The Winner will be announced at the 78th Annual DGA Awards Dinner on Saturday, February 7, 2026.

Should you have any questions, please contact the DGA Awards Office at Awards@dga.org or (310) 289-2038.