How Many Women Have Been Nominated For Best Director Oscar?
Only 5 Women Have Been Nominated For a Best Director Oscar — Ever
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Jane Campion for The Piano, 1994
Despite The Piano winning best original screenplay, best actress (Holly Hunter), and best supporting actress (Anna Paquin), it did not earn Campion the best director award. She lost to a heavy hitter — Steven Spielberg won his first best director Oscar that year for Schindler's List.
If you're interested in Campion's other work, she is the cocreator behind the Elisabeth Moss-starring BBC/Sundance series Top of the Lake. Campion wrote and/or directed each of the 13 episodes.
