Acclaimed filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson delivered a poignant and heartfelt tribute to his late assistant director and close friend, Adam Somner, while accepting a major award at the 2026 Golden Globe ceremony.
A Moving Tribute on the Global Stage
Anderson, aged 55, secured the Golden Globe for Best Director – Motion Picture for his work on the critically-acclaimed film One Battle After Another. During his acceptance speech, the director immediately shifted the focus from his own achievement to the immense contribution of Adam Somner, who passed away in 2024 at age 57 following a battle with anaplastic thyroid cancer.
"There's an unfortunate title to the people that we work with, assistant director, 'cause that's inaccurate," Anderson told the audience. "If you get a good one, like I had, I had the best one, his name was Adam Somner... He's why I'm standing here."
Anderson emphasised that the title "assistant director" vastly undersold Somner's role, describing him as the pivotal force behind the film's success and the reason for the enjoyable experience of making it.
A Legendary Collaboration and Friendship
The professional partnership between Anderson and Somner spanned multiple landmark projects, including Licorice Pizza, Phantom Thread, and There Will Be Blood. Their bond extended far beyond the film set, blossoming into a deep personal friendship. Anderson notably officiated Somner's wedding ceremony in 2011.
Following Somner's passing, Anderson released a powerful statement praising his colleague's unparalleled dedication. "Adam loved making films more than anyone else ever in the history of the movie business," he said. "He saw everything from all sides at once and had a back-up plan to the back-up plan. It was glorious to watch him work."
Anderson placed Somner in the "Kobe Bryant, Mick Jagger, Winston Churchill category of Legends," adding that even that lofty comparison might be "under-selling it."
A Storied Career with Hollywood's Elite
Adam Somner enjoyed a prolific and respected decades-long career in the film industry. His expertise as a first assistant director was sought by some of cinema's most revered filmmakers.
His impressive filmography includes:
- Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)
- The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
- Lincoln (2012)
- War Horse (2011)
- There Will Be Blood (2007)
He also worked on early projects like Gladiator (2000) and his first credited role as an assistant director was on Steven Spielberg's Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade in 1989. In total, Somner accumulated 20 producer credits and collaborated with directors such as Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Ridley Scott, and Steve McQueen.
The 2026 Golden Globes saw One Battle After Another lead the winners with four awards, including Best Picture – Comedy or Musical and Best Screenplay, also won by Anderson. Yet, for the director, the night's most significant moment was ensuring his friend's legacy was remembered at the pinnacle of their shared profession.
