The film industry in 2024 witnessed the rise of a number of accomplished directors, each making waves in their own unique ways. High-budget creations such as ‘Dune: Part Two’ and ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ compelled audiences across theatres and streaming platforms. Meanwhile, smaller, independent ventures like ‘Anora’ and ‘Queer’ might not have raked in astronomical box-office collections but indeed won accolades among critics and generated substantial buzz during the award season. Seven directors particularly stood out in the vast ocean of cinema and television, casting their glow ever so brightly in the sphere of their artistic endeavor this year.
Among the standouts, James Gunn garnered significant attention after he was handed the reins of DC. As he took on the challenge to craft a new cinematic cosmos for DC Studios, his every move was scrutinized by fans with bated breath. One of his notable ongoing projects features a new Superman film, expected to grace the screens in July 2025. Given the anticipation and talent attached to the project, it wouldn’t be surprising if the film ranks among the blockbuster hits of the year.
Shawn Levy, a seasoned director in Hollywood, made headlines as he shattered box office records with his irreverent superhero blockbuster – ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’. Although noted for his prowess in orchestrating family-friendly films like ‘Night at the Museum’ and ‘Cheaper by the Dozen’, Levy truly ascended to newer heights as he navigated his first collaboration with Marvel Studios, breaking into the billion-dollar club in the process.
Well-known for designing cinematic experiences such as ‘Call Me by Your Name’, ‘Suspiria’ (2018), and ‘Bones and All’, Luca Guadagnino took the film industry by storm in 2024. This Italian maestro didn’t stop at one but unveiled two widely acclaimed films: the sports drama ‘Challengers’ and the love story ‘Queer’. Both creations garnered substantial attention in the run-up to the awards season.
Sean Baker who carved a niche directing underrated independent movies like ‘Tangerine’, ‘Red Rocket’, and ‘The Florida Project’, leaped into prominence after clinching the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival for his latest creation, ‘Anora’. Distributed by Neon, this captivating romantic comedy-drama earned rave reviews, further amplifying Baker’s renown.
After trailblazing with the East Asian-led blockbuster of ‘Crazy Rich Asians’, John M. Chu followed the path laid by Barbenheimer, embarking on a journey alongside his film adaptation of the Broadway success ‘Wicked’. Familiar with creating spectacular big-budget musical films, including ‘In the Heights’, it seems fitting that his rendition of ‘Wicked’ was both a commercial success and critically applauded.
French filmmaker Coralie Fargeat emerged as one of the most innovative and passionate new talents in cinema. Her audacious horror satire, ‘The Substance’, smoothly overturned conventional perspectives, winning the title of Best Original Screenplay at the Cannes Film Festival. Fargeat quickly evolved into a familiar name, her work buzzing through the conversations among film aficionados.
The final name to shine in Hollywood during 2024 was the esteemed Canadian director, Denis Villeneuve, celebrated for a slew of modern classics such as ‘Enemy’, ‘Prisoners’, ‘Sicario’, ‘Arrival’, and ‘Blade Runner 2049’. His adaptation of Frank Herbert’s ‘Dune’ in 2022 brought him critical acclaim, but it was the sequel, ‘Dune: Part Two’, that catapulted him to astronomical heights in his career. With this vibrant, pulse-pounding sci-fi epic, Villeneuve cemented his legacy as one of the towering figures in the annals of Hollywood.