Variety’s “10 Directors to Watch” to Be Honored at Palm Springs International Film Festival on January 4th

The Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) will once again partner with Variety to spotlight some of the most promising rising talent in filmmaking, hosting the 2026 “10 Directors to Watch” celebration on January 4th. The event will take place during the festival’s upcoming 37th edition, running January 2–12.

Each year, Variety’s influential list highlights emerging directors whose work signals major artistic potential—many of whom later earn significant awards recognition. The 2026 class showcases a global mix of visionaries working across genres, from festival-first features to films already making waves in the awards conversation.

This year’s honorees include filmmakers from the U.S., Europe, and beyond, among them two directors behind films submitted for the Academy Award for Best International Feature (My Father’s Shadow and Happy Birthday), several independent titles premiering in 2026, and three lauded Cannes debuts, including Kristen Stewart’s highly anticipated first feature, The Chronology of Water.

2026 “10 Directors to Watch” Honorees

• Akinola Davies Jr. (My Father’s Shadow)

• Beth de Araujo (Josephine)

• Jan-Ole Gerster (Islands)

• Sarah Goher (Happy Birthday)

• Dave Green (Coyote vs. Acme)

• Chandler Levack (Mile End Kicks)

• Harry Lighton (Pillion)

• NB Mager (Run Amok)

• Kristen Stewart (The Chronology of Water)

• Walter Thompson Hernandez (If I Go Will They Miss Me)

“Discovery is such an important part of what we do at film festivals, and partnering with Variety on 10 Directors to Watch is an especially exciting part of PSIFF,” said Lili Rodriguez, Artistic Director of the Palm Springs International Film Festival. “It’s always a thrill to encounter the filmmakers that make the list, which has an incredible track record, and we’re glad to be the stage to celebrate these artists.”

The 2026 festival will feature a robust lineup: 169 films from 72 countries and territories, including 53 premieres (3 World, 6 International, 10 North American, 12 U.S., and 22 California). Among them are 44 official submissions for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film, alongside a range of returning sections and new programming initiatives.

Festival information, the complete lineup, and tickets can be found at psfilmfest.org, and the box office is available at (760) 778-8979.