This year's 2024 Oscar nominations have been monumental for women filmmakers, marking a significant moment in the 96-year history of the Academy Awards. For the first time ever, three out of the 10 movies nominated for Best Picture are directed by female auteurs, showcasing the increasing recognition of women's contributions to the film industry.
The groundbreaking films include Justine Triet’s "Anatomy of a Fall," Greta Gerwig’s "Barbie," and Celine Song’s "Past Lives." This achievement signifies a notable shift in the traditionally male-dominated landscape of the film industry and highlights the diversity of storytelling perspectives emerging on the cinematic stage.
Prior to this year's nominations, the Academy had recognized only a handful of films directed by women in the Best Picture category. Notably, Lone Scherfig’s “An Education” and Kathryn Bigelow’s “The Hurt Locker” (2009), Lisa Cholodenko’s “The Kids Are All Right” and Debra Granik’s “Winter’s Bone” (2010), Chloé Zhao’s “Nomadland” and Emerald Fennell’s “Promising Young Woman” (2020), and Siân Heder’s “CODA” and Jane Campion’s “The Power of the Dog” (2021) were among the few instances. Bigelow, Zhao, and Heder's films went on to secure Best Picture wins.
In another noteworthy achievement, producer and star Emma Stone, featuring in "Poor Things," became the second woman in Oscar history to be recognized for both Best Picture and acting in the same year. This echoes Frances McDormand's achievement at the 93rd Oscar ceremony, where she became the first woman to be nominated for acting and producing in the same year, eventually winning both categories.
Not only did women directors make history with their nominations, but they also played a significant role in the production of seven out of the 10 nominated movies. Producers like Emma Stone, Margot Robbie, Emma Thomas, Marie-Ange Luciani, Amy Durning, Kristie Macosko Krieger, Ewa Puszczynska, and the duo Pamela Koffler and Christine Vachon contributed to the success of their respective films.
This year's recognition builds on previous strides in acknowledging women's impact in the film industry and signifies a growing commitment to inclusivity and diversity in storytelling. While 2019 remains the most significant year for Best Picture nominations for movies produced by women, with eight films recognized, this year's achievement reinforces the importance of continued efforts to break down barriers and create opportunities for women in filmmaking. The landscape of cinema is evolving, and these nominations underscore the richness and depth that women bring to the world of storytelling through film.