DGA Student Spotlight Awards for Underrepresented Directors

Thursday, Sep 3, 2026

The 31st Annual DGA Student Spotlight Awards for Underrepresented Directors were presented earlier this summer. For three decades, the DGA Student Spotlight Awards for Underrepresented Directors have highlighted the work of dozens of student filmmakers who are underrepresented in the industry. Winners in each category will receive a $2,500 prize from the DGA.

Eligible films must be made between September 2024 and December 2025 and produced as a student project under the supervision of a faculty member.

Congratulations to the four Tisch alumni and current students who recieved this recognition! 

Undergraduate Narrative Finalists

Bryan Uvaldo ‘24 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film & TV) of New York University for Playin’ Around

Graduate Narrative Finalists

Caroline Gohlke ‘26 (MFA, Kanbar Institute, Graduate Film) of New York University for A Rare and Unique Item

*First Prize Winner* Taylor Sanghyun Lee ‘25 (MFA, Kanbar Institute, Graduate Film) of New York University for Parkside East

*First Runner-Up*  Ana Alpizar ‘27 (MFA Candidate, Kanbar Institute, Graduate Film) of New York University for Norheimsund