How many women have won the Oscar for Best Director and how many have been nominated?

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has had a somewhat inconsistent history regarding acknowledging female directors’ contributions to the film industry. Though there have been instances where women have been nominated and even won the Best Director Oscar, it is still a relatively rare occurrence. In fact, out of the 95 Best Director Oscars awarded since the award’s inception in 1929, only two have gone to women.

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The losing female directors

Lina Wertmüller

These include Lina Wertmüller for “Seven Beauties” in 1977, the esteemed Italian filmmaker who made cinematic history by becoming the first woman ever to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Director. Her groundbreaking work (original title: “Pasqualino Settebellezze”) garnered honors and left a memorable mark on the world of cinema.

Jane Campion

Jane Campion’s 1993 movie The Piano tells a hauntingly beautiful tale of passion, desire, and the complexities of human relationships set in the rugged landscape of 19th-century New Zealand. Although well received by the critics, Campion lost to Steven Spielberg with Schindler’s List.

Sofia Coppola

Sofia Coppola’s “Lost in Translation” in 2003 is a story that follows the unlikely bond that forms between two lonely souls adrift in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo: Bob Harris, a disillusioned actor played by Bill Murray, and Charlotte, a young woman grappling with existential uncertainty, portrayed by Scarlett Johansson. That year, Coppola’s movie lost to Peter Jackson with his film “Lord of the Rings.”

Greta Gerwig

Greta Gerwig’s directorial debut “Lady Bird” took the film world by storm, earning widespread acclaim and solidifying Gerwig’s reputation as one of the most talented voices in contemporary cinema. With its heartfelt storytelling, authentic characters, and pitch-perfect performances, “Lady Bird” captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike. Unfortunately, that year, the Academy gave its prize to Guillermo del Toro for The Shape of Water.

Lulu Wang

“The Farewell,” tells the story of Billi, portrayed with emotional depth by Awkwafina, a Chinese-American woman who returns to her native China under the guise of a wedding to spend time with her beloved grandmother, Nai Nai, played by Zhao Shuzhen. Wang

The WINNERS

Kathryn Bigelow

In 2009, Kathryn Bigelow made cinematic history with her intense war drama “The Hurt Locker,” becoming the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Director. Her groundbreaking achievement shattered long-standing barriers in the film industry and solidified her status as a visionary filmmaker.

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“The Hurt Locker” follows a bomb disposal team during the Iraq War, offering a gripping and immersive portrayal of the harrowing realities faced by soldiers on the front lines. Through its visceral storytelling and compelling characters, the film explores themes of bravery, addiction, and the psychological toll of war.

Upon its release, the movie received widespread critical praise. It earned nine Academy Award nominations and won six, including Best Picture and Best Director for Bigelow. This made her the first female director to win this prize.

Chloé Zhao

In 2021, Chloé Zhao made cinematic history with her remarkable film “Nomadland,” the poignant and intimate story of Fern, portrayed with quiet strength by Frances McDormand, a woman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and resilience after losing everything in the wake of the Great Recession. Set against the backdrop of the American West, the film follows Fern as she travels the country in her van, forming connections with fellow nomads and finding solace in the beauty of the natural world. The more interesting fact is that Emerald Fennell, with Promising Young Woman, was in contention for the same award, marking the first time in history that two female directors were nominated for the Best Director award.