Women have been integral to film history, from early pioneers like Alice Guy-Blaché and Dorothy Arzner to icons like Agnès Varda and Lina Wertmüller. Despite systemic barriers, female directors have pushed boundaries in storytelling and representation. Kathryn Bigelow made history as the first woman to win a Best Director Oscar (The Hurt Locker). Ava DuVernay, Chloé Zhao (Nomadland), and Greta Gerwig (Barbie) have redefined mainstream and independent cinema. Directors like Céline Sciamma (Portrait of a Lady on Fire), Emerald Fennell (Promising Young Woman), and Julia Ducournau (Titane) continue to expand film’s artistic possibilities, proving women’s influence in modern cinema is stronger than ever.