Ashley Menzel’s 2018 Oscar Contenders for Best Director

This year has been a weird year in film with some of the most highly anticipated films doing terribly, and some real underdogs outshining their big budget counterparts. After attending SXSW, Telluride Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, and AFI Fest, many films are swirling around in my head, but these are the few that stick out as potential Best Director Nominations.

FRONTRUNNERS:

The frontrunner films are the ones that I believe to be sure bets for a Best Director Nomination.

Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk

Christopher Nolan is a powerhouse film director when it comes to these hugely epic films. His direction only gets better which is sure to land him in the category for Best Director.

Greta Gerwig, Lady Bird

Shockingly enough, Lady Bird has taken flight at the box office and has quickly become the “must see” film of the year. This is 100% deserved and will give Greta Gerwig the much-needed love for her work on the film as her first feature as a director.

Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water

I hold Guillermo del Toro in very high esteem as he is the man who launched my fascination with fantasy films. Every feature he creates is a whole world in itself, and The Shape of Water is no different. The stunning imagery and a captivating world certainly deserve some recognition come Oscar season.

Luca Guadagnino, Call Me By Your Name

A festival darling that has a huge following combined with fantastic filmmaking and direction is sure to win Luca Guadagnino a Best Director nomination.

Stephen Spielberg, The Post

While I can’t say much about the film itself due to the embargo, this is a great Spielberg film and could land him on the list for Best director. THE CUSP:

These films have the potential for a nomination based on some indications in the media and buzz on social media.

Sean Baker, The Florida Project

While I don’t think that The Florida Project is excellent, there is a lot of buzz that may land Sean Baker on the list. Again, I think there are many more films more deserving for the Best Director nod, but this is a contender.

Craig Gillespie, I, Tonya

I, Tonya is a lot more entertaining than I ever expected it to be. The direction is fantastic weaving in and out of the mockumentary components of the film is mesmerizing. Craig Gillespie could see some love come Oscar season.

Jordan Peele, Get Out

Following a big push from Universal to promote Get Out for Oscar consideration, we could see Jordan Peele get the recognition he deserves for the incredible Get Out. 

Aaron Sorkin, Molly’s Game

Molly’s Game is fantastic and a phenomenal directorial debut for Sorkin. Taking the helm and producing such a riveting film as Molly’s Game has people talking awards, including Best Director.

HAIL MARY FILMS:

While I love these three films, I don’t know if they will be nominated.

Joe Wright, The Darkest Hour

The Darkest Hour is a fascinating film that has Joe Wright taking some interesting turns as director and has the potential for a nomination.

Patty Jenkins, Wonder Woman

Patty Jenkins kicked some serious ass with Wonder Woman and blew her male counterparts out of the water. That level of distinction may get her a nod comes awards season for Best Director.

Edgar Wright, Baby Driver 

The style, technique and phenomenal filmmaking in Baby Driver is stunning, and while I firmly believe Edgar Wright deserves a nomination, it is a long shot that the Academy will agree.