2025 Oscars Best Director Predictions: Expected Nominees and Winner Insights

The Oscars 2025: An Exciting Race for Best Director

The competition for Best Director at the 2025 Oscars is shaping up to be quite thrilling, featuring renowned filmmakers who have yet to receive accolades in this category, alongside previous winners seeking a comeback. This year’s lineup is markedly different from 2024, where directors Martin Scorsese and Christopher Nolan dominated expectations. The current landscape appears significantly more open, as prominent directors are vying for their shot, driven by ambitious sequels and a fresh wave of emerging talents in Hollywood eager to make a mark with the Academy.

As the quest for the coveted five Best Director nominations unfolds, the interplay between nominations across all categories merits consideration. The path to Best Director often intersects with the possibility of nominations for heavyweight contenders, which in turn shines a spotlight on anticipated Best Picture films such as Anora, Dune: Part Two, Emilia Pérez, and others. The overall recognition potential for these films remains a pivotal component of Screen Rant’s predictions for the Best Director nominees and eventual winner at the 2025 Oscars.

Director	Movie
1	Brady Corbet	The Brutalist
2	Sean Baker	Anora
3	Edward Berger	Conclave
4	Jacques Audiard	Emilia Perez
5	Denis Villeneuve	Dune: Part Two

The Contenders: Directors to Watch

Emerging Directors Seeking Recognition

Elliott Heffernan and Steve McQueen on the set of Blitz

With the Oscar nominations scheduled for January 17, 2025, several directors still have the opportunity to break into the Best Director race. James Mangold (A Complete Unknown) and Greg Kwedar (Sing Sing) are directors attached to potential Best Picture contenders, but the landscape continues to shift. Previous winners Robert Zemeckis (Here) and Steve McQueen (Blitz) face tougher odds for a nomination this time, while Pedro Almodóvar (The Room Next Door), Pablo Larraín (Maria), and Coralie Fargeat (The Substance) remain unlikely longshots.

Notably, Ridley Scott’s prospects have taken a hit following the release of Gladiator II. Initially thought to be a frontrunner due to his legacy, the film’s reception has not met expectations, leaving Scott on the periphery of the Best Director race. Conversely, emerging filmmakers like Payal Kapadia (All We Imagine as Light) and others, including Mike Leigh (Hard Truths) and RaMell Ross (Nickel Boys), are gaining traction.

Jon M. Chu’s odds shouldn’t be dismissed either; the success of Wicked as a Best Picture contender could boost his chances for a Best Director nomination. With accolades like the National Board of Review’s Best Director award under his belt, he could well disrupt the current predicted nominees.

Denis Villeneuve and His Return with Dune: Part Two

A Redemption Opportunity Post-Snub

Denis Villeneuve remains a strong contender for Best Director in 2025 with Dune: Part Two. His supporters argue that the sequel showcases his craft, particularly following the disappointment of his previous Academy snub for the first film. Academy voters have a unique opportunity to recognize his efforts in the sequel, especially given its ambitious scale and artistry.

If nominated, this would mark Villeneuve’s second nod for Best Director, having been nominated in 2017 for Arrival. His absence from the 2025 Golden Globe nominations could cast a shadow, yet his well-received work continues to position him favorably for an Oscar nod. Additionally, the impending plans for Dune 3 might complicate his chances if the Academy opts to award recognition collectively for the entire trilogy.

Jacques Audiard’s Bold Cinematic Direction in Emilia Pérez

A Rising Contender with Genre-Bending Talent

Jacques Audiard has gained significant traction with Emilia Pérez, especially after its successful debut at Cannes. Following screenings at Telluride and Toronto, receiving positive accolades for his direction has placed him solidly in the Best Director conversation for 2025. His ability to seamlessly blend genres and elicit stellar performances from his cast contributes to this rising recognition.

Though lacking an extensive history of support from the Academy, Audiard’s recent Golden Globe nomination enhances his prospects. Coupled with the film’s potential in categories like Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldaña, Audiard’s presence in the race may receive considerable backing from Netflix, which has a strong history of securing nominations for its projects.

Edward Berger’s Adaptation of Conclave

Building Momentum with Critical Acclaim

Edward Berger has positioned himself as a credible contender for the 2025 Oscars with his film Conclave. Emerging from the shadows, reviews have praised Berger’s directorial vision, making it one of the top films of the year. His recent nomination for Best Director at the Golden Globes further solidifies his standing.

This nomination would be Berger’s first in this category, although he previously earned acclaim with his nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay in All Quiet on the Western Front in 2023. Transitioning from war narratives to religious thriller themes may benefit him as he rides the positive wave from Conclave.

Sean Baker’s Directorial Brilliance in Anora

A Frontrunner for Best Picture and Director

With Anora being hailed as a frontrunner for Best Picture, director Sean Baker is eyeing a potential nomination for Best Director. Known for his past work on films like Tangerine and The Florida Project, Baker’s latest film has garnered significant attention, notably winning the Palme d’Or at Cannes.

Baker’s Oscar prospects are buoyed by historical correlations between Palm d’Or winners and Oscar nominations. Furthermore, alignment between Best Picture and Best Director winners has emerged, enhancing Baker’s potential to claim a nomination and possibly the win, especially following his recent Golden Globe nomination.

Brady Corbet’s Epic Vision in The Brutalist

A Potential First-Time Nominee

Brady Corbet may fast-track his way into the Oscars spotlight with his ambitious film The Brutalist. Set against a historical backdrop, the film not only showcases Corbet’s skillful direction over a lengthy runtime but also balances storytelling without overwhelming its audience.

Winning the Silver Lion for Best Director at the Venice Film Festival positions Corbet ahead in the race, despite the fact that this accolade doesn’t always lead to an Oscar nomination. The film’s recent acclaim at other festivals could bolster his candidacy in addition to the Golden Globe nominations, ultimately making Corbet a compelling entry in the Best Director discussion.

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