The big surprise that no one here saw coming was that The Revenant would parlay its lack of sets into a win for Best Period Art Direction. It proves the film has some teeth going into the Oscar race whereas the other two races for Fantasy and Contemporary seemed to be right on expected target.

The Awards

Best Period Art Direction

The Revenant

Best Fantasy Art Direction

Mad Max: Fury Road (Wesley, Tripp, RU:Thomas)

Best Contemporary Art Direction

The Martian (Wesley, Tripp, RU:Peter, RU:Thomas)

Art Directors Guild Data

Year Founded: 1937
First Awards: 1996 (20)