10 Best Oscar-Winning Movies Directed by Women: Nomadland, In a Better World, The Hurt Locker and Many More

Throughout the history of motion pictures, women have been making significantly moving films on various genres and topics. These films have received universal acclaim, and notable praise for their direction, screenplay, and other cinematic achievements. From mind-bending thrillers to hard-hitting dramas to unfolding romances, the list goes on and on. Therefore, to give a detailed glimpse, we have compiled some Best Oscar-Winning Movies Directed by Women in several categories that you must revisit this International Women’s Day 2023.

Check Out 10 Best Oscar-Winning Movies Directed by Women

1. Nomadland (2020)

This heart-wrenching tale of finding your place in a world bounded by rules and patterns features Frances McDormand in the lead role of self-discovering Fern, traversing through the pathways of life, hardships, and love. Directed by Chloé Zhao, the film revolves around the idea of Modern day Nomads finding their own temporary spaces and connections while dismantling the fast pace pattern of living.

The film won the accolades for Best Director, Best Film and Best Actress at the 93rd Academy Awards. Moreover, it also marked Frances McDormand’s third Academy Award after Fargo (1997) and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2018). You can stream the film on Disney+ Hotstar.

2. The Hurt Locker (2008)

The Hurt Locker finds bomb disposal expert Sergeant William (played by Jeremy Renner) amidst the Iraq War, training a group of subordinates through his unusual approach and attitude. The entire film feels like an adrenaline punch from start to finish and features some of the best modern-day combat scenes.

Kathryn Bigelow became the first woman to receive the award for Best Director at the 82nd Academy Awards, while the film itself won the Best Picture accolade. You can stream it on Amazon Prime Video.

3. In a Better World (2010)

In a Better World is a 2010 Danish drama film directed by Susanne Bier and written by Anders Thomas Jensen. The film tells the story of two distinct families who get into a mix-up of themes like revenge and forgiveness.  Moreover, the flick features an ensemble cast of Mikael Persbrandt, Trine Dyrholm, and Ulrich Thomsen and is available to watch on Apple TV.

4. The Power of the Dog (2021)

This 2021 western drama film tells the story of two brothers who clash over their differing visions for their ranch. Directed and written by Jane Campion, The Power of the Dog won Academy Awards for Best Director and was nominated in a total of 12 different categories. You can stream it on Netflix.

5. CODA (2021)

This 2021 drama film tells the story of a young woman who dreams of pursuing a career in music despite her deaf family’s expectations for her to continue their fishing business. Directed and written by Sian Heder, the film won the award for Best Picture at the 94th Academy Award. Moreover, you can stream it on Apple TV.

6. Lost in Translation (2003)

This 2003 romantic comedy-drama film follows a fading actor and a young college graduate who forms a connection while staying at the same hotel in Tokyo. Directed and written by Sofia Coppola, Lost in Translation won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Morever, you can stream it on Amazon Prime Video.

7. Frozen (2013)

The film tells the story of a princess who accidentally unleashes eternal winter on a fictional kingdom. Directed by Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck this much-loved animated feature won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.

8. The Piano (1993)

Jane Campion’s The Piano is a haunting and visually stunning period drama that tells the story of Ada (played by Holly Hunter) and her young daughter (Anna Paquin) as they navigate through the rugged and unforgiving terrain of 19th century New Zealand. Furthermore, you can stream it on Amazon Prime Video.

9. Selma (2014)

Ava DuVernay’s Selma is a powerful and moving historical drama that chronicles the historic 1965 voting rights marches led by civil rights icon Dr Martin Luther King Jr (David Oyelowo) from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. Moreover, you can stream it on Amazon Prime Video.

10. The Breadwinner (2017)

The Breadwinner is a 2017 animated film directed by Nora Twomey, based on the novel by Deborah Ellis. Moreover, the flick tells the story of a young girl named Parvana, who disguises herself as a boy to support her family after her father is arrested by the Taliban in Afghanistan. You can stream it on Netflix.

Let us know your favourite Best Oscar-Winning Movies Directed by Women in the list in the comment section below.

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