Last year, we saw Christopher Nolan run away with his first-ever Best Director award at the Oscars. He was an early favorite when the film came out and never looked back. Currently, we don't have any front-runner, but two directors who have similar odds. Our Oscar prediction coverage continues today by sharing our predictions in the Best Director race and who we think will win.
Like everyone else, I was excited to see Christopher Nolan take home Best Director; it made the Oscars last year quite predictable and boring. This Oscar Season, we are not witnessing super favorites in most big categories, making prediction season much more fun. I mean, I am currently predicting that Wicked will take home the Best Picture. Let's dive into these directors with the five in and two on the outside looking in.
2025 Oscar Predictions: Best Director
Sean Baker - Anora
Brady Corbet - The Brutalist
Denis Villeneuve - Dune: Part Two
Edward Berger - Conclave
RaMell Ross - Nickel Boys
First three out: Jacques Audiard (Emilia Perez), Payal Kapadia (All We Imagine as Light), Jon M. Chu (Wicked)
In Vegas, Baker and Corbet are tied with the best odds to win the Oscar for Best Director. They have a healthy lead over Villeneuve, who seemingly has lost steam. I do believe this battle is between Baker and Corbet, and right now, I have Baker with a slight edge over Corbet. Anora may take home Best Actress, Screenplay, and Director and is in the conversation for Best Picture. It really could dominate Oscar night.
As crazy as it sounds, Villeneuve and Berger could take home the Best Director trophy, which wouldn't shock me. Villeneuve should be the front-runner, and if the movie had not come out so early in the season, it would have been at the top of everyone's list. On the flip side, Conclave is getting loads of love, and Berger's All Quiet on the Western Front was an Academy favorite. So, could Berger sneak into the conversation? 100%.
As for the rest of the nominees, I have RaMell Ross sitting at the fifth spot for his game-changing direction in Nickel Boys. Another movie, I don't get why it's not getting the love it deserves. Ross's direction is masterful, yet I have him penciled into that five-slot slot, knowing he will likely end up snubbed. Audiard's Emilia Perez will be peppered with nominations and may end up being in that fifth slot. Kapadia grabbed a shocking nomination for Best Director at the Golden Globes and could carry that momentum to the Oscars. For now, give me the five above, with Baker taking home the Oscar.