Famous New Zealander Directors

Taika Waititi is a highly accomplished New Zealand filmmaker, actor, and comedian who has garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards throughout his career. He has received prestigious accolades such as an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, and a Grammy Award. Waititi is known for directing successful films like "Thor: Ragnarok" and "Jojo Rabbit," as well as creating popular television series such as "What We Do in the Shadows" and "Reservation Dogs." His work is highly regarded in the industry, earning him recognition as one of the most influential people in the world.

Peter Jackson is a highly successful New Zealand film director, screenwriter, and producer, known for his work on blockbuster film trilogies such as "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit." He has also directed critically acclaimed films like "Heavenly Creatures" and "They Shall Not Grow Old." Jackson has received numerous prestigious awards, including Academy Awards, BAFTAs, and a Golden Globe. His production company, WingNut Films, is known for collaborating with writers and producers Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens. Jackson's impact on the film industry is significant, with his movies grossing over $6.5 billion worldwide.

Lee Tamahori is a renowned New Zealand filmmaker known for his international success. He gained recognition for directing the 20th installment of the iconic James Bond series, "Die Another Day," in 2002. Tamahori has also directed other successful and popular films such as "Once Were Warriors," "Along Came a Spider," and "Mahana." With a diverse filmography spanning various genres, he has established himself as a versatile and accomplished director with a knack for creating engaging and memorable cinematic experiences.

Richard Curtis is a highly acclaimed British screenwriter, producer, and film director, renowned for his work in romantic comedy films such as Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, and Love Actually. He has also co-written popular sitcoms like Blackadder and Mr. Bean. Curtis received numerous accolades for his contributions to the industry, including the BAFTA Fellowship for lifetime achievement. He is the co-founder of Comic Relief, a charity that has raised over £1 billion, and has been recognized as a significant figure in British comedy and culture.

Roger Donaldson is a highly accomplished Australian and New Zealand film director, screenwriter, and producer known for his impressive body of work spanning over 40 years. His career highlights include directing landmark films such as "Sleeping Dogs," which is considered a cornerstone of New Zealand cinema, and a diverse range of successful movies across various genres. With 17 feature films to his credit, Donaldson has worked with top actors and garnered critical acclaim, earning multiple awards and nominations for his contributions to the film industry.

Russell Crowe is a versatile actor, director, and musician originally from New Zealand. With a career spanning over three decades, he has garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards for his performances on screen. Crowe's breakthrough role came in the Australian drama Romper Stomper, leading to international recognition in films like L.A. Confidential, Gladiator, and A Beautiful Mind. In addition to acting, he has directed films such as The Water Diviner and has ventured into music. Crowe's diverse roles showcase his talent and range as a performer.

Niki Caro is a prominent New Zealand director and screenwriter known for her work in film, television, and music videos. She gained critical acclaim for her 2002 film Whale Rider, which garnered numerous awards at international film festivals. Caro made history as the second female and New Zealand director hired by Disney to direct a high-budget film, with her 2020 live action version of Mulan. Her diverse portfolio includes music videos, commercials, television dramas, and feature films, showcasing her versatility and talent in the industry.

Dame Elizabeth Jane Campion is a highly esteemed New Zealand filmmaker known for her groundbreaking work in cinema. She has received numerous prestigious awards, including two Academy Awards, two BAFTA Awards, and two Golden Globe Awards. Campion made history as the first woman to win the Palme d'Or and the third woman to win the Directors Guild of America Award for Feature Film. Her notable films include The Piano, The Power of the Dog, An Angel at My Table, and Bright Star. Campion's talent extends to television with the creation of the acclaimed series Top of the Lake.

Martin Campbell is a renowned New Zealand film and television director, primarily based in the United Kingdom. He has made a significant impact in the action and thriller film genres, with notable works including James Bond films such as GoldenEye and Casino Royale, The Mask of Zorro and its sequel, Vertical Limit, and The Foreigner. Campbell's career highlights include directing the critically-acclaimed BBC drama serial Edge of Darkness, for which he received a British Academy Television Award. His diverse portfolio showcases his talent for delivering engaging and successful projects across various mediums.

Andrew Adamson is a highly accomplished New Zealand film director, producer, screenwriter, and animator. He gained widespread recognition for his work on the DreamWorks animated films Shrek and Shrek 2, both of which were critically acclaimed and commercially successful. Additionally, he successfully directed and co-wrote the live-action adaptations of C. S. Lewis's beloved novels, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and its sequel, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. Adamson's talent and creativity have earned him nominations and accolades within the film industry.

Len Lye was a prominent New Zealand artist celebrated for his innovative work in experimental films and kinetic sculpture. His films are preserved in esteemed archives worldwide, including the New Zealand Film Archive, British Film Institute, and Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Lye's sculptures can be found in prestigious collections such as the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Art Institute of Chicago. Despite becoming a U.S. citizen in 1950, much of his artistic legacy is now housed in New Zealand at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery.

Andrew Niccol is a prominent New Zealand screenwriter, producer, and director known for his high-concept science fiction films that delve into social, cultural, and political themes. His works, such as Gattaca, Lord of War, and In Time, often revolve around artificial realities, simulations, and the male gaze. Niccol's talent has been recognized with accolades like a BAFTA Award for The Truman Show, and his film Good Kill competed at prestigious events like the Venice International Film Festival. His thought-provoking storytelling continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Nathaniel Lees is a prominent New Zealand actor and director of Samoan heritage. He has garnered recognition for his roles in popular films such as The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions, and The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. Additionally, he is known for his portrayal of Chiron the centaur in the television series Young Hercules. Lees has established himself as a versatile performer with a strong presence in both theatre and film, captivating audiences with his talent and skill.

Michael Hurst is a versatile British-born New Zealand actor, director, and writer. He gained international fame for his role as Iolaus in the TV shows Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and Xena: Warrior Princess. He later transitioned into directing, notably working on the Starz series Spartacus: Blood and Sand and Ash vs Evil Dead. Hurst has showcased his talent across various mediums, bringing his creativity and expertise to both in front of and behind the camera in the entertainment industry.

James Napier Robertson is a versatile New Zealand professional with a successful career in writing, directing, acting, and producing. He gained recognition for his work as the writer and director of the acclaimed films "I'm Not Harry Jenson" and "The Dark Horse", the latter earning him multiple awards at the New Zealand Film Awards. Robertson also showcased his talent in television, directing episodes of the award-winning series "Romper Stomper" and appearing in various productions. His diverse skills and contributions have solidified his reputation in the entertainment industry.

Roseanne Liang is a prominent New Zealand film director known for breaking barriers in the industry. Her debut feature film, My Wedding and Other Secrets, made history as the first theatrically released feature film by a Chinese New Zealander and achieved commercial success in 2011. Liang further showcased her talents by co-creating, directing, and co-writing the 2021 TV series Creamerie. With a strong track record of creating impactful and successful projects, she continues to make a significant mark in the New Zealand film and television industry.

Alexander Grant was a prominent New Zealand dancer and teacher, celebrated for his exceptional talent in ballet. He gained recognition as a remarkable actor-dancer during the golden era of the Royal Ballet from 1940 to 1960. His contributions to the art of ballet were highly regarded, leading to him receiving the prestigious Icon Award from the Arts Foundation of New Zealand. Grant's professional life was characterized by his dedication to ballet and his significant impact on the dance world during his career.

George Lowe was a New Zealand-born mountaineer, explorer, film director, and educator. He gained prominence as a key member of the 1953 British Mount Everest Expedition, where his friend Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay successfully summited the world's highest peak. Lowe's close association with Sir Edmund Hillary saw him serve as a mentor. His professional life was defined by his contributions to mountaineering, exploration, filmmaking, and education, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of adventure and discovery.

David J. Reid is a respected film director and producer known for his work on a variety of independent films and documentaries. He has a keen eye for storytelling and has garnered critical acclaim for his unique visual style and thought-provoking narratives. Reid's dedication to his craft has earned him numerous awards and recognition within the industry. He is known for his collaborative approach and ability to bring out the best in his cast and crew, resulting in compelling and impactful cinematic experiences.