Alfonso Cuaron
No film is possible without the vision and the dedication of the director - and boy have we see some truly epic movies on the big screen this year.
We have already looked at the actors and actresses that have shined in 2013, now it is time to turn our attention to the talent behind the camera.
- Alfonso Cuaron
Gravity is the film that just about everyone has been talking about this autumn - no real surprise as it is an absolute triumph.
Gravity is the first feature film from Cuaron since Children of Men, as he returns to the science fiction genre.
To say that it is a visually stunning movie is an understatement, as it is one of the most beautiful films that I have seen this year.
Despite being set in the epic emptiness of space, Cuaron has made Gravity an intimate and personal movie, choosing to focus on the characters rather than the setting.
Gravity is set to be a major Oscar player and Cuaron is one of the favourites for the Best Director Oscar; could well be a two horse race with Steve McQueen.
- Paul Greengrass
The Green Zone was the last time that we saw Paul Greengrass in the director's chair, but he returned this autumn with Captain Phillips.
The movie saw Greengrass team up with double Oscar winner Tom Hanks for the first time to tell the story of Phillips; who was captain of a ship that got hijacked by pirates back in 2009.
Captain Phillips is one of the most riveting movies that I have seen this year, it really will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
The complex story is masterfully handled by Greengrass as he focuses in on characters; in particular the strength of Phillips.
The fact that this is a true story makes it pack an even greater wallop. I full expect Captain Phillips, Greengrass and Hanks to all be in the running for Oscar next year.
- Jennifer Lee
Jennifer Lee not only made her directorial debut with Frozen, but she also made a piece of cinema history.
Staggeringly she became the first woman to ever direct a Disney movie as she teamed up with Chris Buck.
With the fifty third Disney movie, the seeds of change are finally being sown, as Lee leads a new generation of woman at Disney.
On top of all that, the screenwriter turned director has produced one of the finest animation movies of the year.
From start to finish Frozen is a triumph as it capture everything that is classic about Disney, and yet feels fresh and new.
The movie has been a critical and commercial smash, and is probably set to waltz off with the Best Animated Feature Oscar.
- Ron Howard
Ron Howard was also back in the director's chair this autumn as he delivered the fantastic Rush: which just so happens to be my favourite movie of the year.
The absolutely awful 'comedy' The Dilemma was the last directorial outing for Howard, but he has more than made up with it for Rush.
Set in the world of F1, the movie follows the heated rivalry of James Hunt and Nikki Lauda; a rivalry that put the sport on the map and made it what it is today.
Rush is an extremely compelling movie that will have your heart in your mouth on more than one occasion. It if fast paced and exciting and is absolutely not to be missed!!! This is a real sporting gem and a movie that cannot be missed.
- Peter Jackson
Peter Jackson took us back to Middle Earth this December with The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug; the second film in his trilogy.
The movie sees Bilbo Baggins and co continue their quest to reclaim Ereborn - however, there is a little task of dealing with a dragon.
The Desolation of Smaug is one of the films that I have been really looking forward to as I just wanted to see Smaug.
Jackson and the team at Weta have not disappointed, as they have created a character that will just take your breath away.
Jackson has always had the knack of truly transporting audiences to Middle Earth, and that trend continues as he delivers dragons, spider, battling elves, wizards and a future fearsome enemy.
The Desolation of Smaug is a darker affair than the first film as Jackson tightens the screw ahead of the epic conclusion.
Other stand out directors of the year include Tom Hooper, Kathryn Bigelow, Francis Lawrence and James Wan.