This year, Kristen Stewart‘s director debut, “The Chronology of Water,” stands out as she is named among Variety’s 10 Directors to Watch for 2026, a list known to spotlight filmmakers on the cusp of major acclaim. Announced ahead of the new year, the recognition places Stewart and other emerging voices at the center of attention in the filmmaking world.
Stewart Joins Prestigious List of Rising Filmmakers
Variety’s yearly Directors to Watch list has a strong track record, having previously highlighted talents such as Sean Baker and Chloé Zhao before their international breakthroughs. Past honorees, including Christopher Nolan, Steve McQueen, Wes Anderson, and Alfonso Cuarón, received early nods from Variety prior to being nominated for best director at the Academy Awards. The list is not exclusively for those destined for awards but is curated to showcase the breadth and vitality of new talent spanning different genres, budgets, and backgrounds.
This year’s selections feature an exciting blend of American and international filmmakers. Of particular note is the inclusion of two directors with movies in contention for the Oscar international feature category: “My Father’s Shadow” and “Happy Birthday.” Alongside these, a group of festival-acclaimed independent films such as “If I Go,” “Josephine,” and “Run Amok” are set to premiere in 2026. Kristen Stewart debuts her directorial work with “The Chronology of Water” at the Cannes Film Festival, where her transition from acting to filmmaking captured attention from critics and industry observers alike.
This Year’s Ten Directors to Watch
The 2026 cohort of Directors to Watch features:
1. Akinola Davies (“My Father’s Shadow”)
2. Beth de Araujo (“Josephine”)
3. Jan-Ole Gerster (“Islands”)
4. Sarah Goher (“Happy Birthday”)
5. Dave Green (“Coyote vs. Acme”)
6. Chandler Levack (“Mile End Kicks”)
7. Harry Lighton (“Pillion”)
8. Nitzan Mager (“Run Amok”)
9. Kristen Stewart (“The Chronology of Water”)
10. Walter Thompson Hernandez (“If I Go”)
These filmmakers were chosen by a group of Variety editors, critics, and reporters, with each selection reflecting distinctive visions and accomplishments within the last year. The list underscores the diversity driving new film storytelling, as it highlights directors from a range of cultural and creative backgrounds.
Spotlighted Event and Industry Recognition
Variety’s annual initiative is more than a list; it is a career milestone that channels attention toward promising directors on the verge of larger impact. The selectees for 2026 will be honored at a special brunch event on January 3, taking place during the Palm Springs International Film Festival. This festival, known for drawing international audiences and industry figures, will once again host in-person screenings, discussions, and celebrations in the new year. Detailed profiles of all ten directors will be published in the print edition of Variety, out on December 31, 2025.
The ongoing partnership between the festival and Variety places an emphasis on cultivating discovery within the film community. As noted by the Palm Springs International Film Festival’s artistic director:
“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.
She continued,
“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 Broader Impact for Filmmakers
For Kristen Stewart and her peers, inclusion on this list signals burgeoning recognition within the global film industry. As she embarks on her directorial path, Stewart is now positioned alongside notable figures whose careers were notably elevated in earlier years by the same recognition from Variety. With anticipated premieres and celebration at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, these ten directors are poised for wider industry attention and further career growth in the coming year.
