IMDb Polls

Poll: Best Oscar-nominated Directorial Debut

Emerald Fennell became the 25th director to score a Best Director nomination for her first film. She is the first woman to achieve this honor. Let's have a look at all 25 first-time directors who earned a Best Director nomination for their first film.

In your opinion, which director made the most impressive debut?

Discuss Here

Results of 823 votes:

  1. 1.

    Orson Welles

     
    Citizen Kane (1941)
  2. 2.

    Sidney Lumet

     
    12 Angry Men (1957)
  3. 3.

    Sam Mendes

     
    American Beauty (1999) WINNER

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