Universal's war drama 1917 won outstanding producer of theatrical motion pictures at the 31st annual Producers Guild Awards on Saturday night, bringing the Oscar race into sharper focus three weeks ahead of the ceremony. 

The trophy was received inside the Hollywood Palladium by a producing team that included producer Pippa Harris and director Sam Mendes with Harris saying first that in "these times of division and conflict around the world, I really hope [1917] just a reminder to never take for granted the peace that we all inherited."

Mendes, who called Harris his favorite producer and someone he's known since he was 14 years old, paid tribute to his grandfather, who inspired the story, and every single member of the crew and cast, many of whom were required to commit two years to work on the project. "To work with so many artists all working at the peak of their craft — led, of course, by Roger Deakins — was humbling and joyful and by far, the best experience of my professional life."