Paris Barclay becomes DGA’s first openly gay African-American President

Posted by | Ray Cornelius

Congratulations to newly elected president of the Director’s Guild of America, Paris Barclay. He made history this weekend as the organization’s first African-American and openly gay president, according to THR.

The event took place on Saturday at the DGA national headquarters in LA. Barclay will replace outgoing President Taylor Hackford, who produced, directed and wrote the Oscar-winning film, Ray.

Reportedly, Barclay addressed the delegation after the vote saying:

“I am profoundly honored to be elected President of the DGA. The DGA has worked for more than three-quarters of a century to advance the creative and economic rights of directors and their teams and I look forward to continuing this strong tradition of service.  As the son of a glass blower and a tile maker from Chicago, I am extremely humbled to have the honor to serve in the footsteps of the legendary leaders of the DGA like Frank Capra, Robert Wise and Gil Cates.”

Barclay has directed over 130 episodes of television, including: “Glee,” “Smash,” “House,” “NCIS: Los Angeles,” “The Good Wife,” “CSI,” “Lost,” and “ER.”  He has also held the title of director-producer for such shows as “Sons of Anarchy,” “In Treatment,” “Cold Case,” “City of Angels” and “NYPD Blue.”

He most recently served four terms on the National Board as First Vice-President, beginning in 2005 and as Third Vice-President from 1999 to 2005.  Barclay joined the Guild in 1992.

Kudos once again!

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