20 Film Directors Who Could Define 2016

By Spencer Serra / February 9, 2024

It€™s the beginning of a new year, and with it comes a deluge of new movies: blockbusters, biopics, arthouse films... you name it. There€™s a lot to be excited for. The start of the year inevitably also brings a torrent of lists compiling and comparing the most anticipated upcoming movies, but what about the faces behind the cameras. What of the film-makers? Why shouldn't they be given a similar share of the spotlight? After all, it is their work, their decisions and their talent that shapes which films will be considered the best come years end. This then is a celebration of the most important film-makers of the year. A lot can happen in a single year €” directors who were complete nobodies in 2014 may have become superstars in 2015. Honestly, before Jurassic World, who on Earth had known about Colin Trevorrow? Before Star Wars, who had ever heard the name George Lucas? So let's look through the full spectrum of moviemakers, from celebrated artists to talented up-and-comers who will define the next year. Is 2016€™s dark horse filmmaker among the names listed here? It's certainly entirely possible...

20. Paul Feig

Paul Feig made his early career with the cult television comedy Freaks and Geeks. Though short-lived, the series helped launch the careers of actors and comedians such as James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jason Segel and Linda Cardellini. From there, he has gone on to direct episodes in other well-known comedy series such as Arrested Development and The Office. More recently, however, his most notable achievement has been 2011€™s raunchy comedy Bridesmaids. Aside from receiving widespread critical acclaim, €˜Bridesmaids€™ also earned a whopping $288,383,523 at the global box office. That€™s pretty astounding, considering the movie was only made for $32.5 million. So what's his next big project? Ghostbusters. I know, I know, many of you will cry foul at the idea of rebooting this franchise €” and many of you already have. The original film is a comedy classic, after all. Still, with the comedy duo of Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy rejoining him, it€™s hard not to feel at least curious about Feig€™s take on Ghostbusters. Will it revitalize the long-dormant film series? Or will it be a spectacular misfire? Only time will tell.