10 Directors to Watch

Bradley Cooper heads up the list of up-and-coming helmers

Next time a high-profile fest programmer or Hollywood exec tells you there aren’t enough great films from distaff directors, call their bluff. In seeking fresh voices for our 22nd annual “10 Directors to Watch” lineup, Variety had no trouble finding talented women, again. In previous years, the series — which recognizes directors of all kinds on the cusp of breakthrough — has spotlighted the likes of Marielle Heller (“Can You Ever Forgive Me?”) and Nadine Labacki (“Capernaum”).

Crossing the LineAli Abbasi’s “Border” impressed at Cannes, where the transgressive romance won Un Certain Regard.