As the fall festival season begins, the Oscar race is heating up. Let’s take a look at the current landscape of the Best Director category for 2025.
As the Fall Festivals Kick Off, Here’s Where the Best Director Oscar Race Stands
With the fall festival season just beginning, the Oscar race is on the verge of becoming a thrilling sprint.
Likely contenders could solidify their positions, while new challengers may emerge. Early buzz from Cannes will be weighed against this year’s autumnal offerings.
Before the festival premieres initiate a new chapter in the awards conversation, let’s examine the current standings of Gold Derby’s nomination predictions in one of the most competitive categories for 2025: Best Director.
Current Contenders
1. Ryan Coogler – Sinners
Still the biggest awards contender with a wide release so far, Sinners and its director, Ryan Coogler, are leading their respective categories. Coogler’s marketing strategy delved into film formats and aspect ratios, which resonated with audiences. Sinners is currently the fifth-highest-grossing movie of the year, featuring the only original screenplay in the top 10. It seems the Academy has already opened the door for Coogler.
Rising Stars
2. Joachim Trier – Sentimental Value
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Despite securing the second-highest honor at Cannes, behind Jafar Panahi‘s It Was Just an Accident, Sentimental Value continues to rise in Gold Derby’s nomination predictions. Trier is currently the second most likely filmmaker to receive a Best Director nod, potentially securing the informal international slot depending on Panahi’s release performance.
Anticipated Comebacks
3. Jon M. Chu – Wicked
Although Chu did not make the cut for Best Director earlier this year, the release of the second part of Wicked could lead to Academy recognition. Initially favored, Chu has dropped to 12th in the rankings, but history suggests he may exceed expectations.
The Safdie Divide
Which team are you on? Team Marty or Team Machine? With Josh and Benny Safdie pursuing solo projects following Uncut Gems, Gold Derby users have chosen sides. Following the debut of the Marty Supreme trailer, Josh Safdie (director of Marty Supreme) is currently in seventh place, while his brother’s project, The Smashing Machine, trails at 24th.
