BAFTA Award for Best Direction
The BAFTA Award for Best Direction is an annual British Academy Film Award presented by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) to honor the director whose work demonstrates the outstanding achievement in direction for a feature film released in the preceding calendar year.[1] It is one of the core competitive categories at the EE BAFTA Film Awards ceremony, held in London each February, and recognizes both British and international filmmakers for their artistic vision, storytelling, and technical execution in helming a motion picture.[2] Originally established as the David Lean Award for Achievement in Direction in 1968—named in tribute to the acclaimed British filmmaker David Lean, who served as the founding chairman of the precursor organization to BAFTA—the award has long celebrated directorial excellence across genres, from drama and epic historical films to innovative sci-fi and intimate character studies.[3] The inaugural recipient was Mike Nichols for his groundbreaking work on The Graduate, marking the category's debut as part of BAFTA's evolving film honors, which began with the academy's first ceremony in 1949.[4] Over the decades, the award has been bestowed on luminaries such as François Truffaut, Stanley Kubrick, Steven Spielberg, and Martin Scorsese, who holds the record for the most nominations at ten, underscoring its prestige as a benchmark for global cinematic leadership.[5] Notably, the category was not presented at the 39th ceremony in 1986 (for 1985 films) due to a temporary restructuring of BAFTA's awards, but it has otherwise been a staple, with recent winners including Chloé Zhao for Nomadland in 2021 and Brady Corbet for The Brutalist in 2025.[6][2] In recent years, the award—now commonly referred to simply as the Director category—has reflected BAFTA's commitment to diversity and inclusion, with updated eligibility rules introduced in 2020 to broaden voter input and ensure representation, including a points-based system for British film eligibility and jury oversight for nominations.[7] Voted on by BAFTA's membership of over 8,500 industry professionals, it often signals frontrunners for the Academy Awards, highlighting the intersection of creative direction and cultural impact in contemporary cinema.[8]Overview
Purpose and Significance
The BAFTA Award for Best Direction, presented annually as part of the EE BAFTA Film Awards, recognizes outstanding achievement in directing a feature film. It honors the director's unique creative vision, leadership in guiding the production, and skillful execution of storytelling across genres, from drama to animation. Eligible films must have a theatrical release in the UK during the qualifying period, which spans from 1 January of the preceding year to 20 February of the award year (as of the 2026 awards), with a minimum runtime of 70 minutes and ineligible if previously entered in BAFTA Film, Television, or Television Craft Awards.[9] This category underscores the pivotal role of the director in shaping a film's artistic and technical elements, celebrating those who elevate cinematic narrative through innovative techniques and collaborative oversight. The award's significance lies in its status as one of the most prestigious honors in the British and international film industry, administered by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), an independent charity dedicated to supporting creative talent. By spotlighting directorial excellence, it aligns with BAFTA's mission to champion storytellers, foster progressive practices, and inspire future generations in film, games, and television. The selection process, involving the Directing Chapter for longlisting and nominations with a commitment to gender parity on the longlist of up to 10 or 11 candidates—including top-voted women, men, non-binary, gender-diverse, or mixed-gender teams within the highest 10 range—promotes inclusive recognition and helps address historical underrepresentation in directing roles.[9][8] This not only validates individual artistry but also contributes to the broader cultural enrichment of the screen industries by highlighting diverse voices and high-impact filmmaking. Beyond immediate acclaim, the BAFTA Award for Best Direction holds substantial influence in the global awards landscape, often serving as a bellwether for other major honors like the Academy Awards. Directors who secure nominations or wins gain enhanced visibility among industry professionals, peers, and audiences, which can amplify their opportunities for future projects and collaborations. For instance, the category's emphasis on visionary leadership has historically propelled careers by affirming innovative approaches to film craft, reinforcing BAFTA's role in nurturing a vibrant, forward-looking film ecosystem.[10]Eligibility and Selection Process
The BAFTA Award for Best Direction, part of the annual BAFTA Film Awards, recognizes outstanding directorial achievement in feature films. To be eligible, films must meet specific theatrical release criteria in the United Kingdom, including a minimum of 10 commercial screenings over seven consecutive days or an equivalent aggregate, ensuring public exhibition for the first time between 1 January of the preceding year and 20 February of the award year (as of the 2026 awards). Directors are eligible only if credited as such on the film and if the production adheres to BAFTA's guidelines, including compliance with BFI Diversity Standards since 2018 to promote inclusive representation in key roles.[9][11] The entry process begins with Stage One submissions by late October, where producers confirm the film's overall eligibility and select applicable categories via BAFTA's online portal. For Best Direction specifically, director names must be submitted during Stage Two by mid-November, allowing BAFTA to verify credits against official documentation. No additional fees apply for this category, but entrants must provide access to the film through BAFTA View, a secure screening platform, for voting purposes. This structured entry ensures only qualifying works proceed to the voting phases.[9] Selection occurs in three rounds managed primarily by BAFTA's Directing Chapter, comprising film-voting members with expertise in direction. In Round One, the chapter votes to create a longlist of 10 to 11 directors, prioritizing gender parity by including top-voted women, men, non-binary, gender-diverse, or mixed-gender teams within the highest 10 range to foster balanced representation. Round Two narrows this to six nominees through further chapter voting, without juries, emphasizing artistic merit and innovation in storytelling. The winner is determined in Round Three by a preferential ballot from all BAFTA film voters, ensuring broad consensus on directorial excellence. This chapter-led process, refined since 2021 to enhance diversity and efficiency, has replaced earlier jury-dependent methods used in prior years.[9][11]Historical Background
Inception and Early Years
The BAFTA Award for Best Direction was established in 1968 under the name David Lean Award for Achievement in Direction, paying tribute to Sir David Lean, the renowned British filmmaker whose epic works such as Lawrence of Arabia (1962) exemplified mastery in cinematic storytelling. Lean, who had been appointed the first Chairman of the British Film Academy upon its founding in 1947, represented the pinnacle of directorial excellence in British cinema, and the award's creation reflected BAFTA's commitment—then operating as the Society of Film and Television Arts—to honor innovative leadership in film direction amid the vibrant "Swinging Sixties" era of global cinema.[3] The inaugural award went to American director Mike Nichols for The Graduate (1967), a satirical coming-of-age drama that revolutionized narrative pacing and youth culture representation, earning Nichols recognition for his precise handling of ensemble dynamics and visual irony. This selection underscored the award's international scope from the outset, as BAFTA sought to bridge British and Hollywood talents while celebrating films that pushed artistic boundaries. Nichols' win aligned with The Graduate's broader impact, including its Academy Award for Best Director in 1968, highlighting the award's role in spotlighting transformative directorial visions.[12] Subsequent early years featured a mix of British and international directors whose works addressed social themes and stylistic innovation. In 1969, British filmmaker John Schlesinger received the honor for Midnight Cowboy (1969), a raw exploration of urban poverty and male friendship that marked a bold shift toward gritty realism in mainstream cinema. The 1970 award was bestowed upon George Roy Hill for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), praised for its witty revisionist Western style and seamless integration of action with character depth, further illustrating the category's emphasis on versatile storytelling techniques during a period of genre experimentation in the 1970s. These selections established the award as a key indicator of directorial influence, often aligning with cultural zeitgeists without favoring national origins.[13][14]Key Developments and Renaming
The BAFTA Award for Best Direction originated in 1968 as the David Lean Award for Achievement in Direction, a category established to recognize exceptional directorial accomplishments in feature films. Named in tribute to David Lean, the acclaimed British filmmaker who served as the first chairman of the British Film Academy (the precursor to BAFTA) from its founding in 1947, the award quickly became a prestigious honor within the British film industry. Lean's own career, marked by epic productions such as Lawrence of Arabia (1962) and Doctor Zhivago (1965), exemplified the visionary storytelling the category sought to celebrate.[3][7] A notable interruption occurred during the 39th British Academy Film Awards, held on March 16, 1986, honoring films from 1985; no Best Direction award was presented that year, with records indicating neither nominations nor a winner. This anomaly remains unexplained in official documentation, though it did not recur, and the category resumed the following year with Roland Joffé winning for The Mission (1986). The absence highlighted early inconsistencies in the awards' structure as BAFTA evolved from its origins as the British Film Academy (1947) through mergers with television-focused groups in 1958 and the formal renaming to the British Academy of Film and Television Arts in 1976.[3] The award was renamed the BAFTA Award for Best Direction ahead of the 72nd British Academy Film Awards in 2019. This change simplified the title from its previous eponymous form, aligning it more closely with comparable honors like the Academy Award for Best Director and emphasizing directorial achievement without personal attribution. The first recipient under the new name was Alfonso Cuarón for Roma (2018).[15]Winners and Nominees
1960s
The BAFTA Award for Best Direction was introduced in 1969, marking the first recognition of directorial achievement as a standalone category in the British Academy Film Awards. Prior to this, directorial contributions were often honored indirectly through categories like Best Film. The debut award highlighted the growing international influence of American cinema in the late 1960s, while also showcasing British talent amid a period of cultural shifts in filmmaking, including the rise of New Hollywood and socially conscious British productions.[16] At the 22nd British Academy Film Awards held on April 9, 1969, honoring films from 1968, Mike Nichols won for The Graduate. This adaptation of Charles Webb's novel captured the disillusionment of youth in post-war America, with Nichols' innovative editing and casting of Dustin Hoffman as an anti-hero earning widespread acclaim. The film swept multiple categories that year, underscoring its impact on narrative storytelling. Nominees reflected a mix of British musicals, social dramas, and international adaptations, emphasizing diverse directorial styles from satire to epic romance.| Year (Ceremony) | Winner | Film | Nominees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 (22nd, 1969) | Mike Nichols | The Graduate | Lindsay Anderson (If....), Carol Reed (Oliver!), Franco Zeffirelli (Romeo and Juliet)[16] |
| Year (Ceremony) | Winner | Film | Nominees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1969 (23rd, 1970) | John Schlesinger | Midnight Cowboy | Richard Attenborough (Oh! What a Lovely War), Ken Russell (Women in Love), Peter Yates (Bullitt)[17][18][19] |
1970s
The BAFTA Award for Best Direction in the 1970s reflected the era's cinematic diversity, encompassing gritty American dramas, innovative British narratives, and bold international works that pushed technical and thematic boundaries. During this decade, the award recognized directors who blended social commentary with stylistic flair, often favoring films that explored human psychology, war, and societal upheaval. British talent shone prominently, with John Schlesinger securing two victories, underscoring the Academy's appreciation for homegrown storytelling amid growing Hollywood influence.[6] The winners spanned a range of genres, from musicals and neo-noir to period epics and comedies, highlighting BAFTA's emphasis on directorial vision over commercial success. For instance, Stanley Kubrick's meticulous adaptation of Barry Lyndon (1975) won for its groundbreaking use of natural lighting and historical authenticity, marking a pinnacle of visual innovation. Similarly, Roman Polanski's taut thriller Chinatown (1975) triumphed for its masterful pacing and atmospheric tension, exemplifying the decade's fascination with film noir revival. These selections often aligned with broader critical acclaim, as seen in overlapping Oscar recognitions for films like Miloš Forman's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1977).[6][20]| Year | Winner | Film |
|---|---|---|
| 1971 | George Roy Hill | Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid |
| 1972 | John Schlesinger | Sunday Bloody Sunday |
| 1973 | Bob Fosse | Cabaret |
| 1974 | François Truffaut | Day for Night |
| 1975 | Roman Polanski | Chinatown |
| 1976 | Stanley Kubrick | Barry Lyndon |
| 1977 | Miloš Forman | One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest |
| 1978 | Woody Allen | Annie Hall |
| 1979 | Alan Parker | Midnight Express |
1980s
The 1980s marked a period of international diversity in the BAFTA Award for Best Direction, with winners spanning American, British, French, Japanese, and German filmmakers, highlighting the award's recognition of innovative storytelling and technical mastery in global cinema. Films addressing historical events, personal drama, and social issues often dominated, reflecting the decade's cinematic trends toward epic narratives and intimate character studies. Notable recipients included established masters and emerging talents, with the award occasionally aligning with Oscar winners but also championing non-Hollywood perspectives.[23]| Year | Winner | Film | Notable Nominees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Francis Ford Coppola | Apocalypse Now | David Lynch (The Elephant Man), Alan Parker (Fame), John Schlesinger (Yanks) |
| 1981 | Akira Kurosawa | Kagemusha | David Lynch (The Elephant Man), Alan Parker (Fame), Robert Benton (Kramer vs. Kramer) |
| 1982 | Louis Malle | Atlantic City | Hugh Hudson (Chariots of Fire), Warren Beatty (Reds), Steven Spielberg (Raiders of the Lost Ark) |
| 1983 | Richard Attenborough | Gandhi | Sydney Pollack (Tootsie), Martin Scorsese (The King of Comedy), James L. Brooks (Terms of Endearment) |
| 1984 | Bill Forsyth | Local Hero | Ingmar Bergman (Fanny and Alexander), James L. Brooks (Terms of Endearment), Milos Forman (Amadeus) |
| 1985 | Wim Wenders | Paris, Texas | Roland Joffé (The Killing Fields), David Lean (A Passage to India), Miloš Forman (Amadeus) |
| 1986 | No award presented | N/A | N/A (No nominations recorded for films of 1985) |
| 1987 | Woody Allen | Hannah and Her Sisters | David Lynch (Blue Velvet), Oliver Stone (Platoon), Pedro Almodóvar (Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown) |
| 1988 | Stanley Kubrick | Full Metal Jacket | John Boorman (Hope and Glory), Louis Malle (Au Revoir les Enfants), Bernardo Bertolucci (The Last Emperor) |
| 1989 | Kenneth Branagh | Henry V | Alan Parker (Mississippi Burning), Peter Weir (Dead Poets Society), Stephen Frears (Dangerous Liaisons) |
1990s
The David Lean Award for Achievement in Direction during the 1990s honored directors who pushed boundaries in storytelling, visual style, and cultural representation, often favoring films that balanced commercial success with artistic innovation. This period marked a shift toward recognizing both international blockbusters and intimate British productions, with winners including American auteurs like Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg alongside homegrown talents such as Alan Parker and Danny Boyle. The award highlighted the decade's evolving film industry, influenced by the rise of independent cinema and global co-productions, while nominees frequently overlapped with Oscar contenders, underscoring BAFTA's alignment with broader industry standards.[23] Key winners exemplified diverse genres, from crime epics and historical dramas to romantic comedies and social satires. For instance, Scorsese's kinetic direction in Goodfellas (1990) captured the gritty allure of organized crime, earning him the award at the 44th ceremony. Spielberg's masterful handling of Holocaust themes in Schindler's List (1993) dominated the 47th BAFTA, reflecting the award's appreciation for emotionally resonant narratives. British films like The Commitments (1991) and Trainspotting (1996) showcased vibrant, youth-oriented energy, with Parker and Boyle respectively bringing raw authenticity to working-class tales.[23] Notable trends included a growing emphasis on ensemble-driven stories and subtle performances, as seen in Robert Altman's satirical The Player (1992) and Curtis Hanson's neo-noir L.A. Confidential (1997). International entries like Michael Radford's poignant Il Postino (1994) demonstrated BAFTA's openness to non-English-language films, broadening the award's scope beyond Hollywood and UK productions. Overall, the 1990s winners contributed to the category's reputation for celebrating direction that combined technical prowess with thematic depth, influencing subsequent decades' selections.[23]| Year (Ceremony) | Winner | Film |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 (43rd) | Kenneth Branagh | Henry V |
| 1991 (44th) | Martin Scorsese | Goodfellas |
| 1992 (45th) | Alan Parker | The Commitments |
| 1993 (46th) | Robert Altman | The Player |
| 1994 (47th) | Steven Spielberg | Schindler's List |
| 1995 (48th) | Mike Newell | Four Weddings and a Funeral |
| 1996 (49th) | Michael Radford | Il Postino |
| 1997 (50th) | Danny Boyle | Trainspotting |
| 1998 (51st) | Curtis Hanson | L.A. Confidential |
| 1999 (52nd) | Peter Weir | The Truman Show |
2000s
In the 2000s, the BAFTA Award for Best Direction highlighted a broad spectrum of international filmmaking, with winners spanning European, Asian, American, and British cinema, often reflecting global box-office successes and critical darlings. This decade saw repeat victories for directors like Peter Jackson and Ang Lee, underscoring the Academy's appreciation for epic franchises and intimate character studies alike. British talents such as Mike Leigh and Danny Boyle also claimed the honor, emphasizing the award's role in celebrating homegrown innovation alongside Hollywood blockbusters.[23] The following table summarizes the winners and selected notable nominees for each year, drawn from official BAFTA records as documented in film databases:| Year | Winner(s) | Film | Notable Nominees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Pedro Almodóvar | All About My Mother | Sam Mendes (American Beauty), David Lynch (The Straight Story)[23] |
| 2001 | Ang Lee | Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon | Steven Soderbergh (Traffic), Ridley Scott (Gladiator)[23] |
| 2002 | Peter Jackson | The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring | Ron Howard (A Beautiful Mind), David Lynch (Mulholland Drive)[23] |
| 2003 | Roman Polanski | The Pianist | Pedro Almodóvar (Talk to Her), Stephen Daldry (The Hours)[23] |
| 2004 | Peter Jackson | The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King | Sofia Coppola (Lost in Translation), Clint Eastwood (Mystic River)[23] |
| 2005 | Mike Leigh | Vera Drake | Martin Scorsese (The Aviator), Clint Eastwood (Million Dollar Baby)[23] |
| 2006 | Ang Lee | Brokeback Mountain | Paul Haggis (Crash), Fernando Meirelles (The Constant Gardener)[23] |
| 2007 | Martin Scorsese | The Departed | Alejandro González Iñárritu (Babel), Paul Greengrass (United 93)[23] |
| 2008 | Joel Coen & Ethan Coen | No Country for Old Men | Paul Thomas Anderson (There Will Be Blood), Joe Wright (Atonement)[23] |
| 2009 | Danny Boyle | Slumdog Millionaire | David Fincher (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), Stephen Daldry (The Reader)[23] |
2010s
The 2010s marked a dynamic era for the BAFTA Award for Best Direction, reflecting evolving cinematic landscapes with increased recognition for innovative storytelling, technical achievements, and diverse voices in global cinema. The decade began with Kathryn Bigelow's historic win for The Hurt Locker in 2010, making her the first woman to receive the award since its modern inception, highlighting themes of war and human resilience amid nominees like James Cameron for the visually groundbreaking Avatar and Quentin Tarantino for the stylistic Inglourious Basterds.[31] This set a tone for boundary-pushing direction, as seen in 2011 when David Fincher claimed the honor for The Social Network, praised for its taut pacing and psychological depth in depicting tech entrepreneurship, edging out Christopher Nolan's ambitious Inception and Darren Aronofsky's intense Black Swan.[32] Subsequent years showcased a blend of biographical dramas and genre reinventions. In 2012, Michel Hazanavicius won for the silent-era homage The Artist, a rare triumph for a non-English language film in the category, surpassing nominees including Martin Scorsese's family adventure Hugo and Tomas Alfredson's atmospheric Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. The following year, 2013, saw Ben Affleck's procedural thriller Argo secure the award, noted for its tense re-enactment of historical events, while 2014 brought Alfonso Cuarón's Gravity to the forefront for its pioneering use of long takes and space simulation, outshining Paul Greengrass's Captain Phillips. Richard Linklater's experimental Boyhood, filmed over 12 years, earned the 2015 prize, emphasizing naturalistic performance and time's passage over more conventional entries like Wes Anderson's whimsical The Grand Budapest Hotel. The latter half of the decade leaned toward satirical and fantastical narratives, underscoring BAFTA's appreciation for directors who blend entertainment with social commentary. Adam McKay's 2016 win for The Big Short revolutionized financial drama through fourth-wall breaks and ensemble dynamics, defeating Lenny Abrahamson's harrowing Room. Damien Chazelle followed in 2017 with La La Land, celebrated for its musical choreography and emotional resonance, amid competition from Denis Villeneuve's sci-fi epic Arrival. Guillermo del Toro's 2018 victory for the fairy-tale romance The Shape of Water highlighted inclusive fantasy, besting Jordan Peele's socially incisive Get Out, while Cuarón's return in 2019 for the intimate Roma—a semi-autobiographical portrait of domestic life in Mexico—reaffirmed his mastery of visual poetry, surpassing Yorgos Lanthimos's baroque The Favourite.[33]| Year | Winner (Film) | Notable Nominees |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker) | James Cameron (Avatar), Lone Scherfig (An Education), Quentin Tarantino (Inglourious Basterds) |
| 2011 | David Fincher (The Social Network) | Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan), Christopher Nolan (Inception), Tom Hooper (The King's Speech) |
| 2012 | Michel Hazanavicius (The Artist) | Martin Scorsese (Hugo), Stephen Daldry (Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close), Tomas Alfredson (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) |
| 2013 | Ben Affleck (Argo) | Michael Haneke (Amour), David O. Russell (Silver Linings Playbook), Quentin Tarantino (Django Unchained) |
| 2014 | Alfonso Cuarón (Gravity) | Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave), Paul Greengrass (Captain Phillips), Peter Jackson (The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug) |
| 2015 | Richard Linklater (Boyhood) | Wes Anderson (The Grand Budapest Hotel), Bennett Miller (Foxcatcher), Morten Tyldum (The Imitation Game) |
| 2016 | Adam McKay (The Big Short) | Lenny Abrahamson (Room), Tom McCarthy (Spotlight), Alejandro G. Iñárritu (The Revenant) |
| 2017 | Damien Chazelle (La La Land) | Kenneth Lonergan (Manchester by the Sea), Denis Villeneuve (Arrival), Pablo Larraín (Jackie) |
| 2018 | Guillermo del Toro (The Shape of Water) | Jordan Peele (Get Out), Paul Thomas Anderson (Phantom Thread), Martin McDonagh (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) |
| 2019 | Alfonso Cuarón (Roma) | Yorgos Lanthimos (The Favourite), Spike Lee (BlacKkKlansman), Paweł Pawlikowski (Cold War) |
2020s
The 2020s have seen the BAFTA Award for Best Direction recognize a diverse array of filmmakers, with increasing emphasis on international and female directors amid evolving global cinema landscapes. The category, which honors outstanding directorial achievement in feature films, has highlighted both established auteurs and emerging voices, often aligning with broader industry shifts toward inclusive storytelling. Ceremonies during this decade, held annually in February or March, award films primarily from the preceding year, reflecting contemporary themes like war, identity, and social upheaval.[1] Notable trends include the recognition of directors tackling historical epics and intimate dramas, with winners spanning genres from war films to sci-fi blockbusters. For instance, the 2020 award underscored technical innovation in wartime narratives, while later years spotlighted female-led stories and non-English language works. The nominee pool has grown to typically five or six per year, showcasing a mix of British, American, and international talent.[34][35]| Year (Ceremony) | Winner | Film | Nominees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 (73rd) | Sam Mendes | 1917 | Bong Joon-ho – Parasite; Martin Scorsese – The Irishman; Todd Phillips – Joker; Quentin Tarantino – Once Upon a Time in Hollywood[36][34] |
| 2021 (74th) | Chloé Zhao | Nomadland | Thomas Vinterberg – Another Round; Shannon Murphy – Babyteeth; Lee Isaac Chung – Minari; Jasmila Žbanić – Quo Vadis, Aida?[35][37] |
| 2022 (75th) | Jane Campion | The Power of the Dog | Aleem Khan – After Love; Ryusuke Hamaguchi – Drive My Car; Audrey Diwan – Happening; Paul Thomas Anderson – Licorice Pizza; Maggie Gyllenhaal – The Lost Daughter[38][39] |
| 2023 (76th) | Edward Berger | All Quiet on the Western Front | Martin McDonagh – The Banshees of Inisherin; Park Chan-wook – Decision to Leave; Sarah Polley – Women Talking; Todd Field – Tár; Gina Prince-Bythewood – The Woman King[40][41] |
| 2024 (77th) | Christopher Nolan | Oppenheimer | Andrew Haigh – All of Us Strangers; Justine Triet – Anatomy of a Fall; Jonathan Glazer – The Zone of Interest; Yorgos Lanthimos – Poor Things; Martin Scorsese – Killers of the Flower Moon[42][43] |
| 2025 (78th) | Brady Corbet | The Brutalist | Sean Baker – Anora; Edward Berger – Conclave; Denis Villeneuve – Dune: Part Two; Jacques Audiard – Emilia Pérez[44][45] |