This year, Kristen Stewart’s directorial debut with “The Chronology of Water” has placed her among Variety’s prized 10 Directors to Watch, a list known for forecasting future industry leaders. The announcement, which spotlights rising talent across the film world, solidifies Stewart’s entry into an elite group recognized for both innovation and influence in cinema.
Kristen Stewart Shines at Cannes with Feature Debut
Kristen Stewart, best known for her acting career, made her first appearance behind the camera at the Cannes Film Festival with “The Chronology of Water.” Her work joins a diverse set of filmmakers celebrated this year, reflecting the blend of American and global voices recognized by the industry. Stewart’s accomplishment follows in the footsteps of past honorees like Sean Baker, who appeared on the very same list years before earning the Palme d’Or and an Oscar with “Anora,” and Chloé Zhao, whose “The Rider” first garnered attention before her success with “Hamnet” at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Directors previously chosen for this honor, such as Christopher Nolan, Coralie Fargeat, Jonathan Glazer, Ruben Östlund, Wes Anderson, Alfonso Cuarón, Steve McQueen, and Benh Zeitlin, have gone on to receive major awards and critical acclaim. The recognition is not restricted to potential awards contenders; it aims to capture the extensive range of emerging voices from varying backgrounds, budgets, and genres in contemporary filmmaking. This open vision introduces new perspectives to the industry and shapes future trends.
Diverse Voices Highlighted Among 10 Emerging Filmmakers
This year’s 10 Directors to Watch feature filmmakers whose creative work stretches from local independent projects to international submissions for the Oscar foreign-language category. Among them are feature debuts that premiered at renowned festivals and projects awaiting world premieres in 2026. Stewart’s fellow honorees include Akinola Davies (“My Father’s Shadow”), Beth de Araujo (“Josephine”), Jan-Ole Gerster (“Islands”), Sarah Goher (“Happy Birthday”), Dave Green (“Coyote vs. Acme”), Chandler Levack (“Mile End Kicks”), Harry Lighton (“Pillion”), Nitzan Mager (“Run Amok”), and Walter Thompson Hernandez (“If I Go”).
This selection demonstrates the breadth of new creative energy driving the film world, with contributions from filmmakers representing different communities, genres, and storytelling approaches. Their upcoming works, from festival premieres to Oscar submissions, signal a new era shaped by fresh talent—each poised to make a significant impact on international and independent cinema alike.
Celebrating New Directions in Filmmaking
The annual 10 to Watch feature is a hallmark of Variety’s coverage, honoring emerging writers, actors, directors, producers, comics, and cinematographers. Each list is crafted by editors, reporters, and critics who carefully evaluate and pick individuals expected to influence the future of film and television. For the directors’ category, the honorees will be celebrated at a special brunch during the Palm Springs International Film Festival on January 3. The festival signals a return to in-person events, with screenings, panels, and celebrations highlighting new work and rising stars. Detailed profiles of the 10 selected directors will appear in Variety’s print edition released December 31, 2025.
“Discovery is such an important part of what we do at film festivals, and partnering with Variety on 10 Directors to Watch is an especially exciting part of PSIFF,”
said Lili Rodriguez, PSIFF artistic director.
“It’s always a thrill to encounter the filmmakers that make the list, which has an incredible track record, and we’re glad to be the stage to celebrate these artists.”
– Lili Rodriguez, PSIFF artistic director
The inclusion of Kristen Stewart’s directorial debut on this prestigious list places her in a company that reflects both the diversity and evolving vision of modern cinema. As the film industry continues to welcome new perspectives and talents, these honorees are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping what audiences will see in the coming years.
