1. Lena Dunham
Key Work: Tiny Furniture Most Recent/ Upcoming Project: Girls Twitter: @lenadunham Sadly it'll have to be DVD or illegal download in order for me to watch Dunham's HBO comedy 'Girls' since I don't have Sky Atlantic, but everything I've heard is positive. She doesn't pull any punches, though, based on her output and generally charming demeanor. Tiny Furniture was one of the better indies in the last couple of years, and I think we're looking at someone in for the long haul in film and TV with a consistent rate of excellence. Dunham is fresh, daring and very funny.
Honorable Mentions: Sofia Coppola, Kathryn Bigelow, Patty Jenkins, Jane Campion, Tina Fey, Jodie Foster, Marjan Satrapi, Leslye Headland, Lone Scherfig, Barbara Broccoli, Emma Thomas, Lizzy Caplan So, these are some of the best women who are just getting started, or are only beginning to get the widespread attention they deserve. Someone needs to invest in whatever these women do, simply because the stuff they come out with is amazing, and includes some of the best films we've seen in years. In the state Hollywood's in, we need to nurture talent like the people I've listed, as well as everyone I haven't. If I have forgotten anyone, please do comment or tweet me @IAmOscarHarding