Directors

Inside the Oscar-Nominated “I Am Ready, Warden” with Smriti Mundhra and Maya Gnyp

The Academy Award-nominated short documentary “I Am Ready, Warden” offers an intimate look at justice, redemption, and forgiveness in the final days of a man on death row. Awards Focus sat down with Smriti Mundhra and Maya Gnyp to discuss the film’s journey, the challenge of exploring such a complex subject, and the artistic choices that shaped its emotional tone.

Academy Award Nominee James Mangold Discusses Bob Dylan’s Transformative Journey in ‘A Complete Unknown’

'A Complete Unknown' Director Mangold spoke with Awards Focus about the challenges of balancing historical accuracy with emotional storytelling.

Blending Culture And Heart: Pat Boonnitipat’s ‘How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies’ Explores Love And Legacy

In his feature directorial debut, Pat Boonnitipat introduces himself as a filmmaker with a keen eye for emotional depth in How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies. In a conversation with Awards Focus, Pat Boonnitipat delves into the origins of the film, the artistic challenges of adapting such a personal story, and his perspective on the transition from television to feature filmmaking.

A Short Film With A Big Splash: Rashida Jones Directs “A Swim Lesson”

In just 21 captivating minutes, A Swim Lesson, the latest project from Grammy winner and Emmy nominee Rashida Jones, proves that big things can come in small packages. In an interview with Awards Focus, Rashida shares insights about her personal connection to Bill Marsh's legacy, the challenges of directing a short documentary, and the collaborative process that shaped the film’s final cut.

How ‘Better Man’ Director Michael Gracey and Pop Icon Robbie Williams Crafted a Unique Biopic Starring a CGI Monkey

Better Man Director Michael Gracey and Musician Robbie Williams spoke with Awards Focus about the challenges of revisiting the past.

‘Nightbitch’ director Marielle Heller on Processing Parenthood and Working with Amy Adams

Nightbitch director Marielle Heller spoke to Awards Focus about the vulnerability involved in opening Pandora’s box of emotions and working with Amy Adams.

‘Small Things Like These’ Director Tim Mielants Explores the Dark Side of 1980s Ireland With Cillian Murphy

When Cillian Murphy won the Oscar for Best Actor this past March for his work in “Oppenheimer,” it felt like the culmination of a long journey: he had gone from a respected character actor to an A-list star ca... Read More...

Honoring The Past, Forging The Future: Wes Ball’s Vision For ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’

Director Wes Ball spoke with Awards Focus about his creative process, the challenges of directing a legacy franchise, and how he sought to expand the emotional and visual landscape of the Apes universe. He delved into the film’s exploration of power dynamics, the evolving definition of civilization, and the personal stakes embedded in the characters’ arcs.

(L-R) George Harrison, Ringo Starr, John Lenon, and Paul Mccartney arriving at JFK airport in BEATLES '64.

David Tedeschi, Margaret Bodde on Beatles ’64

Three years ago, we had the epic Disney+ documentary series, The Beatles: Get Back. Last year, it was a new song, "Now and Then," from The Beatles coming to life thanks to old John Lennon recordings. This year... Read More...

‘Young Woman and the Sea’ Director Joachim Rønning On The Ocean As An Antagonist

Young Woman and the Sea director Joachim Rønning spoke with Awards Focus about Rønning spoke with Awards Focus about viewing the ocean as an antagonist.