The Academy Award for Best Director is an award presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. It is given in honor of a film director who has exhibited outstanding directing w
The 2026 recipient: Paul Thomas Anderson
Frank Borzage won twice: "Dramatic director" at the first ceremony, for 7th Heaven (1927); & later, Bad Girl (1931).
Lewis Milestone won twice: "Comedy director" at the first ceremony, for Two Arabian Knights (1927); & later, All Quiet on the Western Front (1930).
Frank Lloyd won twice, for The Divine Lady (1929) & Cavalcade (1933).
William Wyler
Videos
William Wyler was a German-born American film director and producer. Known for his work in numerous genres over five decades, he received numerous accolades, including the most nominations for the Aca
Academy Award for Best Director
…the full previous calendar year from January 1 to December 31. John Ford has received the most awards in this category, with four. Frank Capra and William Wyler won three each. Wyler has the most nominations, with 12—including a record four years in a row. Martin Scorsese is currently second, with 10 nominations…
Wyler in 1945
Olivier and Oberon in Wuthering Heights
Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday (1953)
Charlton Heston as Ben-Hur