7. Derek Cianfrance
Currently receiving near ecstatic reviews for his newest film, the Place Beyond the Pines, Cianfrance has quickly established himself as one of the most ambitious new directors out there. His first film was the 1998 short, Brothers Tied, but it would be more than a decade before he released his first feature length film, 2010's Blue Valentine. Considered one of the years best films, Blue Valentine tells of the formation and disintegration of a marriage between two characters, played by Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams. The film was was acclaimed for its performances, dark tone, and emotional power and brought Cianfrance to the attention of the movie world. Cianfracne's follow-up film, the previously mentioned the Place Beyond the Pines, has already established itself as one of 2013's best films and a potential oscar candidate. Cianfrance's next film is rumored to be titled Metalhead and is set for a likely 2015 release date.
Filmography: Blue Valentine (2010), The Place Beyond the Pines (2013)