United Kingdom, March 16 -- Paul Thomas Anderson admitted it was a "pleasure" and a "wonderful gift" to receive his first Best Director Oscar on Sunday (15.03.26).

The 55-year-old filmmaker - who has received 14 Oscar nominations over the years - picked up his second award of the night for One Battle After Another, and dedicated his win to late producer Adam Somner.

He said: "I share this with a friend of mine on the other side of the shadows named Adam Somner who is up there in a really big bar in the sky having a gin and tonic, and he is so happy for me and our crew. I want to thank the Academy for finding my work worthy of this highest honour."

Paul then praised the work of his fellow nominees, "classmates" Chloe Zhao (Hamnet), Ryan...