Best Director at the Oscars 2026 will pit some of the biggest creatives in Hollywood against each other, and there's no shortage of contenders a year removed from Sean Baker's win for Anora . It's again my pleasure to bring you ScreenRant 's view of the race and analysis of where things stand.

So far, the best movies of 2025 are a great reminder of all the talented directors working today. We've already been treated to new films from filmmakers Bong Joon-ho, Ryan Coogler, Paul Greengrass, Mike Flanagan, Paul Thomas Anderson, Steven Soderbergh, Danny Boyle, and Spike Lee.

Not all of them have realistic chances of getting recognized at the 98th Academy Awards, but some of them and their colleagues will be. There are multiple previous Best Director winners in contention again, inc

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