Variety magazine has announced its 10 Directors to Watch for 2026, recognizing emerging directorial talent poised for industry impact. The selection includes actor-turned-director Kristen Stewart, whose feature debut “The Chronology of Water” premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. The list demonstrates Variety’s track record of identifying directors years before major award recognition and industry prominence.[1][2][3]
How Variety’s 10 Directors to Watch Identifies Emerging Directorial Talent
The annual 10 Directors to Watch list has consistently predicted career trajectories decades in advance. Sean Baker appeared on the list a decade before “Anora” won the Palme d’Or at Cannes and five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing, and Best Actress (Mikey Madison). Chloé Zhao won the People’s Choice Award at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival for “Hamnet,” years after Variety selected her for earlier work.[2][3][4][5][6]
Past Directors Recognized Before Major Oscar Nominations and Wins
Variety previously identified directors who later received best director Oscar recognition. These include:
- Christopher Nolan—Won Best Director for “Oppenheimer” at the 2024 Academy Awards.[7]
- Alfonso Cuarón—Won Best Director for “Roma” (2019) and “Gravity” (2014).[8]
- Ruben Östlund—Won Palme d’Or at Cannes for “The Square” (2017) and “Triangle of Sadness” (2022).[9][10]
- Steve McQueen—Received best director nomination for “12 Years a Slave” (2014).[11]
- Coralie Fargeat—Received best director nomination for “The Substance” at 2025 Academy Awards.[12][13]
Jonathan Glazer and Benh Zeitlin have also achieved significant festival recognition following their selection. This proven track record validates the list’s importance in identifying directorial talent.[14][15][2]
The 10 Emerging Directors Selected for the 2026 Edition
This year’s honorees represent American and international filmmakers working across independent productions and festival circuits. Two directors have submitted films for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film category. Three feature debuts premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.[16][17][1]
| Director | Film | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Akinola Davies | “My Father’s Shadow” | International Feature submission[18] |
| Beth de Araujo | “Josephine” | 2026 world premiere[19] |
| Jan-Ole Gerster | “Islands” | Independent production[20] |
| Sarah Goher | “Happy Birthday” | International Feature submission |
| Dave Green | “Coyote vs. Acme” | Festival-backed production[21] |
| Chandler Levack | “Mile End Kicks” | Emerging talent debut[22] |
| Harry Lighton | “Pillion” | Cannes 2025 premiere[16] |
| Nitzan Mager | “Run Amok” | Independent cinema[23] |
| Kristen Stewart | “The Chronology of Water” | Cannes Un Certain Regard[1] |
| Walter Thompson Hernandez | “If I Go Will They Miss Me” | 2026 world premiere |
Kristen Stewart’s Directorial Debut Receiving Critical Acclaim at Cannes
Kristen Stewart’s feature directorial debut, “The Chronology of Water,” premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes 2025 and received critical recognition. The film earned 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and a 6.5-minute ovation at its premiere. The New York Times praised lead actress Imogen Poots’ “uncomfortably visceral” performance in the work.[24][25][26][27]
The film adapts Lidia Yuknavitch’s 2011 memoir using experimental nonlinear storytelling to explore trauma and artistic development. Stewart filmed in 16-millimeter using unconventional editing techniques. Independent distributor The Forge acquired rights after major studios declined to market the challenging project.[26][27][28]
Palm Springs International Film Festival Recognition Event in January 2026
Directors will receive recognition during the 37th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (January 2-12, 2026). Director profiles will publish in Variety’s December 31 print edition. Festival artistic director Lili Rodriguez stated: “Discovery is crucial to what we do at film festivals. Partnering with Variety on 10 Directors to Watch is especially exciting.”[29][30][2]
