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Influential Female Directors in Cinema

512 votes

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  1. 1

    Greta Gerwig

    65 votes

    Won the Golden Globe for Best Picture with Lady Bird

    (+4)

    Greta Gerwig has left an indelible mark on contemporary cinema with her distinctive storytelling approach, often exploring the complexities of femininity and human relationships with wit and empathy. Her films, such as 'Lady Bird' and 'Little Women,' have deeply resonated with audiences and critics for their authenticity and unique artistic vision, establishing her as an influential director.

    • Was the fifth woman to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Director

    • Achieved the biggest opening in history for a film directed by a woman with Barbie

    • Grossed over $1 billion with Barbie

    • Has a brilliant resume behind the camera

  2. 2

    Lynne Ramsay

    59 votes

    Edgy and poetic films

    (+4)

    Lynne Ramsay has left an indelible mark on cinema through her distinctive visual and narrative style, crafting intense and emotionally resonant works that explore the human psyche with unusual depth. Her ability to evoke potent atmospheres and elicit memorable performances firmly positions her among the most influential filmmakers of her generation.

    • Unique sense of narrative

    • Multiple awards including Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Screenplay

    • BAFTA Award for Best British Short Film

    • British Independent Film Award for Best Director

  3. 3

    Sofia Coppola

    54 votes

    Distinctive and atmospheric visual style

    (+4)

    Sofia Coppola has left an indelible mark on cinema with her distinctive visual and narrative style, exploring themes of isolation, identity, and the female experience with a unique sensitivity. Her films, such as 'Lost in Translation' and 'The Virgin Suicides,' are acclaimed for their evocative atmosphere and deep introspection, solidifying her place as an influential director.

    • Exploration of themes of isolation and alienation

    • Intimate portrayals of female characters

    • Sensitivity in capturing melancholy

    • Subtle and evocative narratives

  4. 4

    Chloé Zhao

    54 votes

    Oscar winner for Best Picture and Directing

    (+4)

    Chloé Zhao has left an indelible mark on cinema with her intimate and visually striking narrative approach, particularly evident in films like 'Nomadland'. Her ability to capture the essence of contemporary American life and give voice to marginalized characters sets her apart as a director of profound depth.

    • Poetic and naturalistic visual style

    • Explores themes of marginalization and community

    • Directs with authenticity and empathy

    • Critical and commercial success with 'Nomadland'

  5. 5

    Nancy Meyers

    47 votes

    Has an incredible eye for bringing environments to life

    Nancy Meyers has left an indelible mark on cinema with her knack for crafting romantic comedies that resonate emotionally with audiences. Her films, often centered on strong female characters and complex relationships, are distinguished by witty screenplays, impeccable production design, and an optimistic tone that has made them modern classics.

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  7. 6

    Patty Jenkins

    46 votes

    Directed Wonder Woman, a global and critical hit

    (+1)

    Patty Jenkins has left an indelible mark on cinema through her bold and emotionally resonant direction, most notably with "Wonder Woman." Her ability to craft large-scale narratives with strong, complex female characters has established her as an influential force in the industry.

    • Directed a film with a budget over $100 million

  8. 7

    Chantal Akerman

    43 votes

    Considered fundamental to the work of several generations of filmmakers

    (+4)

    Chantal Akerman is a foundational figure in cinema for her innovative and radical approach to narrative and form. Her work explored themes of identity, sexuality, and the female condition with a visual and conceptual boldness that redefined the possibilities of cinematic language.

    • Experimental and deeply personal approach

    • Visible head of feminist cinema

    • One of the most unique and resonant voices in cinema history

    • Attentive gaze at the living conditions of women

  9. 8

    Susanne Bier

    41 votes

    First female director to win major awards

    (+2)

    Susanne Bier has left an indelible mark on cinema with her ability to direct intense and emotionally resonant dramas that tackle complex themes of the human condition. Her direction in films like "In a Better World" earned her an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, showcasing her mastery of cinematic storytelling and her global impact.

    • Directed award-winning films

    • Directs both films and TV series

  10. 9

    Jane Campion

    40 votes

    New Zealand film director and screenwriter

    (+2)

    Jane Campion stands out for her bold and distinctive approach to cinematic storytelling, exploring complex themes of identity and female desire with a unique artistic sensibility. Her work has been critically acclaimed and has influenced generations of filmmakers, solidifying her place as a fundamental figure in film history.

    • First woman nominated twice for the Academy Award for Best Director

    • Known for The Piano and The Power of the Dog

  11. 10

    Ava DuVernay

    32 votes

    American director and screenwriter

    (+4)

    Ava DuVernay stands out for her ability to tackle complex social issues and powerful narratives with a unique artistic vision. Her filmography, which includes acclaimed works like 'Selma' and '13th,' has sparked important conversations and opened doors for underrepresented voices in the film industry.

    • Has won the Best Director Award at the Sundance Film Festival

    • One of the most recognized directors in the US film industry

    • Recipient of two Primetime Emmy Awards

    • Recipient of two NAACP Image Awards

  12. 11

    Kathryn Bigelow

    31 votes

    First woman to win the Oscar for Best Director

    (+3)

    Kathryn Bigelow has left an indelible mark on cinema through her skill in directing intense and critically acclaimed action films, breaking barriers as the first woman to win the Oscar for Best Director. Her filmography is characterized by a bold approach and impeccable technical execution, tackling complex themes with a unique perspective.

    • Won the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement

    • Director of 'The Hurt Locker'

    • Directed 'Strange Days', one of her best films

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