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Let’s Shamelessly Discuss Who the Hottest Directors Are

By Kayleigh Donaldson | Film | July 27, 2017 |

By Kayleigh Donaldson | Film | July 27, 2017 |


The 2017 Pajiba 10 was finally released, thus ensuring once again that democracy does work (sometimes). Our benevolent readers made the right choice in including New Zealand’s finest, director Taika Waititi on their lists. How can you say no to a scruffy fox with a good sense of humour? Perhaps the vote was just a little too early this year - if it had taken place after San Diego Comic-Con, I guarantee Waititi’s sartorial dedication to the pineapple romper would have seen him crack the top 3.

The aesthetics of people behind the camera in Hollywood tend to be less scrutinized than those in front of it, which I’m sure has absolutely nothing to do with the film industry being primarily the bastion of bearded white dudes in baseball caps with a history of the casting couch and generally treating women like crap, but that’s none of my business. So let’s even the playing field a tad and turn our lustful focus towards the directors we wouldn’t mind screaming ‘action’ at us.

Taika Waititi


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Well, obviously. What more is there to say about him? He’s incredibly funny, he’s a shameless goof, he’s got the range, he’s dedicated to good causes and increased Pacific Islander representation in entertainment, he’s made me give a shit about the Thor franchise, and he dresses like the fiercest flight attendant on his side of the equator.


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Cary Joji Fukunaga


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A man so attractive, he single-handedly brought the man-braid back into style. He plays polo, practices capoeira, and made True Detective season one an absolute must-watch.


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Ava DuVernay


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The best smile, the best hair, and a steadfast commitment to dresses with pockets. Oh, and she’s also one of the most influential directors of the decade, doing more for elevating the work of women in directing than any white dude over the previous 50 years. That’s hot.



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Shane Carruth


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His films may be mind-benders, but he’s much easier on our eyes.


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Spike Jonze


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The former Jackass cohort and skater boy has aged fabulously.


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Amma Asante


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A trailblazer in British cinema as one of the first black women directors to have a film receive a major release in the UK, Asante is one of the brightest stars in the industry right now, thanks to films like Belle and A United Kingdom. The former Grange Hill star now has a BAFTA, an MBE, and an upcoming film starring Amandla Stenberg. Being on this list, she is of course exceptionally beautiful.


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Barry Jenkins


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Directing Moonlight instantly makes him attractive, but even without that, he’s a mighty fine figure.


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Deniz Gamze Ergüven


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The Turkish-French director of Mustang became an Oscar nominee on only her second film, and managed to capture the hearts of the notoriously picky Cannes Film Festival in the process. Next for her is Kings, starring Halle Berry and Daniel Craig and set during the 1992 LA riots. Hair to die for.


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Paul Thomas Anderson


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Another one ageing very well, PTA has that great mix of steely-eyed seriousness and shameless goofball. Making Boogie Nights and The Master certainly doesn’t hurt (although I maintain Inherent Vice is his masterpiece, don’t @ me). He’s also one half of a criminally underrated power coupling with Maya Rudolph.


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So who are your favourites? Don’t forget to share extensive evidence to support your claim.