The 77th Annual Directors Guild of America (DGA) Awards commenced on a poignant note as Lesli Linka Glatter, the president of the DGA, took the stage at the Beverly Hilton to address a crowd of industry luminaries. With a voice that resonated both determination and urgency, Glatter issued a heartfelt appeal to studio executives and top producers. She called upon them to take definitive steps to “bring production back to the U.S. and bring it back in force.” This impassioned plea was not merely a professional stance but one deeply personal, as Glatter has recently experienced profound loss. Just last month, she was among the thousands who lost their homes in the devastating wildfires that swept through Pacific Palisades, a picturesque area of Los Angeles. Despite the chaos and personal turmoil, Glatter emphasized how the generosity and solidarity of the creative community have been her lifeline, offering her both strength and hope during this challenging time.
Glatter’s speech was a testament to resilience and determination. With unwavering resolve, she shared how the trauma of the wildfires has only strengthened her commitment to advocacy. She vowed to intensify her efforts in urging state and federal leaders to focus on rebuilding Los Angeles and to provide greater support for the film and television industries, which are pivotal to employment across Southern California. “Tonight is also a night of action to focus on re-imagining our future,” she declared. Acknowledging the numerous challenges the industry has faced, Glatter rallied her audience, asserting that the time to act is now. “If ever there was a time to rally to get back on our feet and get back to work, it is now,” she said, her words igniting a sense of unity and purpose among the attendees.
Addressing the studio executives and producers directly, Glatter implored them to join her in this mission. She urged them to support the very people who have been the backbone of the industry—the directors, actors, writers, IA crews, and Teamsters who have built the companies and shaped the stories that define American entertainment. Her call to action was clear: “Bring production back to the U.S. and bring it back in force.” This rallying cry underscored the importance of not only reviving the industry but also ensuring that its revival benefits the workers and communities that have been impacted by recent crises. Glatter’s message was a powerful reminder of the industry’s potential to drive economic recovery and cultural renewal.
The wildfires that swept through Los Angeles last January served as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the power of nature. On January 7, the Palisades firestorm erupted, destroying over 6,800 structures and scorching 23,500 acres of land. Simultaneously, another destructive wildfire broke out in Altadena, a foothill community near Pasadena in the San Gabriel Valley, demolishing more than 7,000 structures and burning over 14,000 acres. These fires left countless residents, including Glatter, grappling with the aftermath of unimaginable loss. Yet, even in the face of such devastation, Glatter’s resolve to rebuild and advocate for her industry and community remained unshaken. Her personal experience has only deepened her understanding of the challenges faced by many in the entertainment industry and beyond.
Lesli Linka Glatter is widely recognized as one of television’s most accomplished and busiest director-producers. Her credits include some of the most iconic series in recent television history, such as “Homeland,” “Mad Men,” “The Leftovers,” “Pretty Little Liars,” “The West Wing,” “The Good Wife,” and “Twin Peaks,” among others. Her work has been celebrated for its nuance, depth, and ability to captivate audiences. In May 2023, Glatter was reelected to a second two-year term as DGA president, a testament to her leadership and the trust her peers have placed in her. Her dual role as a creative leader and industry advocate underscores her ability to bridge the worlds of artistry and policy, making her a compelling voice for change.
In closing, Glatter’s speech at the 77th Annual DGA Awards was a clarion call to action, urging the entertainment industry to reclaim its footing on American soil. Her personal journey, marked by loss and resilience, has only strengthened her resolve to champion the industry and its workers. As the creative community continues to navigate the challenges of rebuilding and recovery, Glatter’s leadership serves as a beacon of hope and determination. The evening was not just a celebration of artistic achievement but also a reminder of the industry’s potential to drive meaningful change and revitalization. With Glatter at the helm, the DGA is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping a brighter future for American entertainment—a future that is both inclusive and resilient, built on the strength of its people and the power of their stories.
