The Director's Series: Sian Heder, CODA


Throughout 2025 I'm turning my focus to Directors. They help craft the vision on screen that makes a movie work. This year I'm looking at five favorite films from 18 directors I admire and 10 films directed by different women that I have enjoyed. Join me Fridays and Saturdays throughout 2025 as we take this journey.

CODA (2021)
Starring: Emilia Jones, Troy Kotsur, Marlee Matlin, Daniel Durant, and Eugenio Derbez
Director: Sian Heder
About: The penultimate entry from a female director on this list is a special one to me. Technically it's special in general, as it was the first Best Picture winner for Apple TV, or any streamer. For some it was a surprise win, but I fell in love as soon as I saw it. It's really a beautiful film and it's beautifully told. I was so hyped it won Best Picture, though I wish it had earned more accolades. Jones is simply stunning in the lead performance and should have at least earned a nomination. She's continued to deliver wonderful performances since. This movie is so richly rewarding. It's funny, it's charming, and it's deeply emotional. It's a beautiful celebration of family and it's got some sequences that turn me into a puddle in the best way. If you've never seen it, it's worth checking out.

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