This is precisely why the Best Director category at the Oscars has been so refreshing in recent years.

Most years, I find the results of the Oscars way too easy to predict.

However, the2025 Academy Awardshave shaped up to be one of the most unpredictable in years.

Anora, Conclave, and The Brutalist

Currently, Baker or Corbet are the favorites to win the award.

This first-time Best Director winner streak started in 2020 when Bong Joon-ho won for his filmParasite.

However, this wasn’t always the case.

Sinners'-Box-Office-Numbers–Total,-Worldwide,-Domestic,-Opening-&-Records

For example, Alfonso Cuaron won the Best Director Oscar forGravityin 2014 and forRomain 2019.

Additionally, Alejandro G. Inarritu won back-to-back Best Director Oscars in 2015 and 2016, forBirdmanandThe Revenant.

Rosario in close-up with a cut on her cheek shielding her face with her hand in Rosario

An edited image of Mikey Madison in Anora and Adrien Brody in The Brutalist with a gold background.

Custom Image by Max Ruscinski

The Oscars Poster Featuring an Oscars Statue Standing in front of a curtain

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The Oscars | Academy Awards