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2024 saw many talented directors shake up the media as they developed a bevy of crowd - pleasing bang . Some released giving - budget blockbusters likeDune : Part TwoandDeadpool & Wolverinethat dominated theatre of operations and streaming .

Even though some direct diminished indie project with low boxwood - office tax return , masterpiece likeAnoraandQueerstill premiere to outstanding review and plenty of buzz this accolade season . Though several managing director made a splash in the ocean of movie house and TV in 2024 , these seven artists sailed their style into the public eye as they attain the most from their craft this twelvemonth .

A woman sits on a man at a poker table in Anora.

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7. James Gunn

After DC gave author / director James Gunn the keys to its kingdom , all oculus have been on him as he developed his young cinematic cosmos at DC Studios . Specifically , devotee have look on and expect throughout the year as he directedhis Modern Superman motion-picture show , which is go down to premier in July 2025 .

Considering the bombilation and name attached to it , such a movie is sure to be one of the bragging blockbusters of the year . At the same time , he created the new DC animated series , Creature Commandos , giving audiences an exciting , emotional glimpse at what he has in computer memory in his reboot of one of the most prominent medium franchises in Hollywood .

6. Shawn Levy

Veteran Hollywood director Shawn Levy broke boxful office record in 2024 with his meta and grubby superhero blockbusterDeadpool & Wolverine . Though Levy has long succeeded in helm family - friendly movies likeNight at the MuseumandCheaper by the Dozen , he finally arrive at the billion - dollar box seat office club with his first project with Marvel Studios .

Also , as an executive manufacturer of Netflix’sStranger Thingsand a managing director of many of its episodes , includingDead Billy , Levy presided over the production of the show ’s final season , which will for certain be one of the most extremely - anticipated television events in history .

5. Luca Guadagnino

Famous for creating motion picture likeCall Me by Your Name , 2018’sSuspiria , andBones and All , Luca Guadagnino achieved massive succeeder in 2024 . The Italian theatre director release not one but two critically acclaimed pictures this yr : the tennis dramaChallengersand his romantic dramaQueer .

Both celluloid have received capital attention this awards season , withChallengersreceiving a Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture andQueerranking in theNational Board of Review ’s Top 10 Filmslist for 2024 . Also , with anew adaptation ofAmerican Psychoand a potential DC film on the elbow room , Guadagnino ’s illustrious moving picture career express no signs of slow down .

4. Sean Baker

After direct underrated indie classics likeTangerine , Red Rocket , andThe Florida Project , this New Jersey - born filmmaker reached the big leagues after winning the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival with his latest chef-d’oeuvre , Anora .

Since the film was distributed in theaters by Neon , Baker ’s prominence only grew as his romanticist comedy - drama achieved more rave reexamination , being declared one of the best picture of the year and receive five Golden Globe nominations , including Best Motion Picture and Best Director .

3. John M. Chu

After breaking new soil directing the East Asian - take blockbusterCrazy Rich Asians , John M. Chu follow in Barbenheimer ’s footsteps as he contend againstGladiator IIwith his plastic film adaptation of the Broadway musicalWicked . Having antecedently made several bragging - budget musical moving picture , particularlyIn the Heights , it ’s no surprise that he broughtWickedto the prominent screen and received such success and congratulations .

Not only did it gain multiple Golden Globe and Critics ’ Choice Award Nominations , it was named the upright flick of the yr by the National Board of Review , cementing Chu as a cinematic tour - de - military unit .

2. Coralie Fargeat

Coralie Fargeat became a household name as one of cinema ’s most skilled and passionate new writers / directors as she shattered the male gaze with her shocking repugnance caustic remark , The Substance . This bold , thinking - provoking movie won Best Original Screenplay at the Cannes Film Festival and garnered quite the bombilation as it pose and grossed out interview in theaters .

1. Denis Villeneuve

Canadian filmmaker Denis Villeneuve is cognize for directing modern movie classics likeEnemy , Prisoners , Sicario , Arrival , andBlade Runner 2049 . After adapting Frank Herbert’sDuneinto a picture and releasing it in 2022 , Villeneuve reached new layer of success after unveiling his critically acclaimed and book - breaking sequel , Dune : Part Two .

With this stunning , electrifying sci - fi heroic poem , Villeneuve once again launch himself as one of the greatest directors in Hollywood story . Hopefully , the Academy Awards will acknowledge this with the Oscar nomination that he deserve .