BEST DIRECTOR

A Chinese-born filmmaker known for her deeply human, naturalistic storytelling that blends fiction with documentary realism. She broke out with Songs My Brothers Taught Me (2015) and The Rider (2017), films praised for their empathy and use of non-professional actors, before achieving global recognition with Nomadland (2020), which won her the Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture, making her the first woman of color to win Best Director. Her 2026 Oscar-nominated film Hamnet continues her intimate, emotionally restrained approach, focusing on grief, marriage, and creativity in historical England.

One of the most acclaimed American directors of his generation, celebrated for ambitious, character-driven films with meticulous craft and emotional intensity. Rising to prominence in the late 1990s, he built his reputation with works like Boogie Nights (1997) and Magnolia (1999), then cemented his legacy with There Will Be Blood (2007), widely regarded as a modern classic. His 2026 nominee One Battle After Another reflects his ongoing interest in power, ideology, and the personal cost of obsession and belief. Anderson's distinctive visual style and psychological depth have earned him a place among the most influential filmmakers of his time.

An American filmmaker renowned for blending socially conscious storytelling with mainstream appeal. He made an immediate impact with his debut Fruitvale Station (2013), a powerful dramatization of police violence, followed by Creed (2015), which revitalized the Rocky franchise with emotional depth and cultural relevance. His work is marked by strong character relationships, themes of legacy and community, and muscular visual storytelling. With Sinners, his 2026 Best Director nominee, Coogler pushes into darker, genre-blending territory, combining horror, history, and social commentary in what critics are calling his most ambitious work to date.

A Norwegian director celebrated for introspective, emotionally precise films that explore memory, relationships, and personal identity. Emerging from the European art-house scene, he gained international attention with Oslo, August 31st (2011), followed by Louder Than Bombs (2015) and Thelma (2017), which showcased his ability to blend psychological realism with subtle stylistic flourishes. His films are known for their empathy, literary sensibility, and nuanced performances, and Sentimental Value, his 2026 Oscar-nominated work, continues his exploration of family, regret, and reconciliation with quiet emotional force. Trier's delicate touch with actors and his poetic approach to storytelling have made him one of Europe's most respected contemporary filmmakers.