PRESENTED BY REFRAME & WOMEN IN FILM
A comprehensive guide to the nomination-worthy women and gender diverse filmmakers you should know this awards season.
This isn’t just a list.
It’s part of WIF’s ongoing work to level the playing field in an industry where the statistics tell a troubling story.
The Reality Check:
“The numbers speak to a systemic failure,” says Kirsten Schaffer, WIF’s CEO. “In 2025, women received just 29% of Oscar nominations, while nonbinary and transgender filmmakers were virtually shut out at 0% and 0.4% respectively. Year after year, talented creatives are overlooked, often because their films have smaller marketing budgets. This guide exists to shine a light on excellent work, to increase the visibility of accomplished artists and improve their likelihood of sustainable careers.”
Celebrating Excellence and Career Longevity:
WIF and ReFrame kicked off awards season on December 3rd with Changing the Ratio—their third annual event co-hosted with the Alliance of Women Film Composers and Film Fatales. The evening connected hundreds of filmmakers with industry decision-makers, creating opportunities for meaningful collaboration.
The season culminates on March 13, 2026 with WIF’s 19th Annual Oscars® Nominees Celebration—the only event since 2007 dedicated to bringing together all women and gender diverse Academy Award® nominees.