Outstanding Emerging Director
The Outstanding Emerging Director category shines a spotlight on groundbreaking filmmakers who have made an extraordinary impact with their work this year. Here's a closer look at the nominees and their achievements:
Titus Kaphar
Exhibiting Forgiveness
Titus Kaphar has taken the awards circuit by storm with his directorial debut, Exhibiting Forgiveness. A visual artist turned filmmaker, Kaphar crafts a profound exploration of race, trauma, and redemption through his lens. His talent has earned him not only a nomination for Outstanding Emerging Director but also four additional Bolt nominations, including Outstanding Film and Outstanding Director. With five total nominations for his film, Kaphar is establishing himself as a creative force in cinema.
Zoë Kravitz
Blink Twice
Actress-turned-director Zoë Kravitz makes a triumphant debut behind the camera with Blink Twice, a bold, stylistic thriller that explores identity and betrayal. Kravitz’s ability to balance nuanced storytelling with a striking visual style has garnered her a nomination for Outstanding Emerging Director. With three additional Bolt nominations for her film, Blink Twice is her sixth Bolt-nominated project, cementing Kravitz as a multi-hyphenate talent in the industry.
RaMell Ross
Nickel Boys
RaMell Ross continues his rise as a visionary storyteller with Nickel Boys, an adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. The film is a haunting exploration of systemic racism and resilience, and Ross’s directorial vision has earned him a nomination for Outstanding Emerging Director. With three additional Bolt nominations this year and five total Bolt film nominations in his career, Ross solidifies his reputation as a thought-provoking filmmaker.
Angela Patton
Daughters
Angela Patton delivers a poignant and empowering narrative with Daughters, a documentary that delves into the lives of young women striving for self-determination. Patton’s authentic and heartfelt storytelling has earned her a nomination for Outstanding Emerging Director as well as a nomination for Outstanding Documentary. This marks her second career Bolt nomination, showcasing her growing impact in the world of documentary filmmaking.
Malcolm Washington
The Piano Lesson
Malcolm Washington steps into the spotlight with The Piano Lesson, an adaptation of August Wilson’s timeless play. Washington’s work as a director highlights his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to breathe new life into a classic narrative. Nominated for Outstanding Emerging Director, he is also recognized with nominations for Outstanding Director, Screenplay, and First Screenplay. With four total Bolt film nominations to his name, Washington is proving himself as a rising talent in filmmaking.