New Scholarship Fund Honors Oscar Winner Adam Somner with Support from DGA, PTA, Spielberg, Scorsese, and DiCaprio
EXCLUSIVE: Hours after receiving a posthumous Oscar for his contribution to Best Picture winner One Battle After Another, Adam Somner’s legacy will be preserved through the establishment of The Adam Somner DGA Memorial Scholarship. A recognized producer and first Assistant Director, Somner was known for his support of emerging talent in the film industry.
The scholarship aims to raise $500,000, with funds managed by the Directors Guild of America (DGA). Initially, the scholarship will provide $20,000 annually to one recipient, starting in the first quarter of 2027. Applications will be accepted until December 15, with the award scheduled for March 21, a date significant as it marks Somner’s birthday. He passed away in late 2024 at the age of 57 due to anaplastic thyroid cancer.
The scholarship board features prominent figures in the entertainment industry, including Carmen Ruiz de Huidobro, Mark Somner, Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Paul Thomas Anderson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kathy Kennedy, Kristie Macosko, Kevin Walsh, Ian Stone, Jeremy Marks, Trevor Tavares, JJ Hook, Josh Muzaffer, and Billy Dowd.
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Somner was a vital assistant director for top filmmakers, collaborating with Spielberg on twelve films, Anderson on six, and Ridley Scott on six. His recent projects included Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon and Steve McQueen’s Blitz, culminating in the Oscar-winning One Battle After Another. DiCaprio and Anderson have spoken highly of Somner’s role in bridging their professional relationship after Boogie Nights did not pan out. His posthumous recognition highlights his significant contributions to the industry.
Friends and colleagues of Somner felt compelled to establish a lasting tribute in his memory, aiming to empower future filmmakers during a time of diminishing opportunities. Somner was known for mentoring young production assistants and assistant directors on every set, affording them invaluable exposure to top-tier filmmaking.
