Oscars 2025 Best Director Predictions: Who Will Win?

It's time for Hollywood to roll out the red carpet because Oscar season is fast approaching! Get your best guess as we see what filmmakers might have a chance at winning the highly sought-after "Best Director" award at the Oscars, but this year has lots of potential and new filmmakers could walk away with an award! The big names are definitely vying for this, with major films!

Best Director Predictions:

You never know what the Academy is going to vote for, but to help narrow things down, let's look at some of the names that are top of mind!

Predicting the Top Five Best Director Nominees:

Elliott Heffernan and Steve McQueen talking on the set of Blitz Image

Ridley Scott, known for iconic movies like Gladiator is back!
He has a really amazing chance! This is because his latest epic is set for a massive return.
Jacques Audiard- will he take home the Oscar!?
Fans of The Bear and those that just love great performances and big names will want to keep an eye out for this "Best Director" winner!
Sean Baker is another, incredible, possible contender for the Academy Award for Best Director. He is also the filmmaker behind "Anora"
Denis Villeneuve- This director brought a really incredible movie with his recent success in the Dune series. With Dune: Part Two hitting theaters he could make a major run for this award!
Brady Corbet could become the big star as The Brutalist was his masterpiece.

You're not alone if you wonder why these filmmakers have such a strong chance. There's some solid background as to what has them in a great spot as these filmmakers are highly recognized in Hollywood circles!

Predicted Winner - Ridley Scott

Zendaya and Timothee Chalamet in Dune Part Two with Fresh Tomato Image

"Gladiator II" could mean an amazing opportunity for this director, Scott!

What really stands out about him and his potential as a "Best Director" winner is that the Academy, really should recognize all his work.

Ridley Scott had some awesome wins back in 1992. The Academy Award, with a few nominations, brought him some major accolades. He received several wins. His movie "Thelma & Louise" ( 1992). Scott even made his mark for his epic films! Fans won't be able to forget the legendary movie "Gladiator" ( 2001). And even if he didn't win that Best Director Award! Scott's history is pretty impressive! What may bring him to this place as a strong candidate? He's not only worked on some epic movies and TV series. It is about recognition. This filmmaker doesn't have an Oscar, which will be great recognition from the Academy as a way to give him recognition as a major legend!

Top Contenders For the Best Director Award:

It's not just those in the top five, or those on this list! There are plenty more directors in the running to receive recognition as "Best Director." at this award.

Pedro Almodóvar with a fantastic film, "The Room Next Door"
James Mangold
He's really got an impressive resume, which makes him a compelling contender as he directs "A Complete Unknown."
Greg Kwedar with his new film, "Sing Sing"
Edward Berger is behind the new "Conclave." film.

These names definitely will keep the competition on point. And the Academy, as well! These directors are really known to the Hollywood industry and could make a powerful showing! This could mean these films become a powerful force at the "Oscars"

The Most Compelling Choices

You might find there are those who have yet to show up as nominees. They have so much going for them!

Jason Reitman with his recent, "Saturday Night".
Pablo Larraín. An amazing film, "Maria".
Luca Guadagnino and he might have a couple of choices. "Queer or "Challengers"
Coralie Fargeat
Chris Sanders, he has a unique film called "The Wild Robot!"

While there is some really cool potential for all of these films, they are more likely to break through as nominees if the Best Picture category features them. What really drives the hype for all these movies and performers are award nominations.

The real challenge for all of these performers will be how strong the Oscar campaign really is. It could be enough for them to become nominees. These movies could really be what the Academy votes on to create a show of awards and recognition to those who deserve this praise and accolades. But there will also be some incredible performers to see if the nominations do go in their direction!

The big question is whether all this buzz around a new movie that comes out! And what impact it will make! These directors who are just starting out may have to do a lot of work to be recognized, with great support from everyone to get those votes! Only January 17, 2025, when the Oscar nominees are announced! The Oscars is full of possibilities.