Variety’s acclaimed “Directors on Directors,” presented by Klimon, is set to return on January 5, showcasing the creative insights of prominent filmmakers behind some of this year’s leading awards contenders.
This year’s lineup features an impressive array of talents, including Guillermo del Toro discussing “Frankenstein” with Bradley Cooper, as well as Kristen Stewart analyzing “The Chronology of Water” with Jesse Eisenberg. Additionally, Ryan Coogler meets with Spike Lee to delve into “Sinners” and “Highest 2 Lowest,” while Chloé Zhao and Josh Safdie engage in a conversation centered on “Hamnet” and “Marty Supreme,” respectively.
Ramin Setoodeh, co-president and co-editor-in-chief of Variety, expressed excitement for the new series, stating, “Coming off our biggest Actors on Actors ever, these Directors on Directors conversations will continue to surprise and engage film fans around the world. The best way to kick off awards season in 2026 is through our latest video series.”
The conversations will be unveiled from January 5 to January 8, accessible on Variety.com and across its social media platforms. Additionally, a print issue focusing on Directors on Directors will be released on December 31.
Over the years, this series has hosted some of the industry’s most influential figures, including James Cameron, Denis Villeneuve, and Greta Gerwig, solidifying its status as a must-watch for cinephiles. The return of Directors on Directors follows the success of Variety’s record-breaking “Actors on Actors” season, which debuted on CNN’s new streaming platform and accumulated over 247 million views across social media, featuring star-studded pairings like Leonardo DiCaprio with Jennifer Lawrence and Dwayne Johnson with Brendan Fraser.
With the return of this insightful series, fans can look forward to a vibrant discussion illuminating the artistic contributions of some of the most visionary directors today.