Christopher Nolan & Co.: These are the most powerful directors in Hollywood

Christopher Nolan has reason to celebrate: In addition to the successful theatrical release of his new blockbuster "The Odyssey," he has now been named the most powerful director in Hollywood. The filmmaker ranks No. 1 in the latest Top 100 ranking by Vulture.

Agents, executives, producers, publicists, and journalists were consulted to compile the list of the most powerful directors. The evaluation criteria include body of work, commercial bankability, creative control, reputation, and future potential. The list focuses on Hollywood filmmakers. Additionally, directors who primarily work in the world of television are not included.

It's not all that surprising that Nolan has secured the top spot on such a list. The director has been a sure bet at the box office for years and consistently delights both audiences and critics alike. The same is true of his latest film: With "The Odyssey", the director delivered the most successful release of his career. The highly acclaimed film adaptation of Homer's 3,000-year-old epic grossed $264.1 million worldwide on its opening weekend.

Nolan instead of a franchise

Hardly any other director has a name as magnetic as Nolan's. With him, virtually any subject matter currently becomes a celebrated blockbuster – whether the focus is on an ancient hero like Odysseus, a superhero like Batman, or a physicist like Oppenheimer. This likely has something to do with the fact that audiences tend not to go to the movies to see the latest Oppenheimer film, but rather the latest Nolan film. To put it bluntly, one could say that Nolan has become the equivalent of a franchise.

Another director about whom one could say the same is Quentin Tarantino. He was most recently on the big screen with "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" and also made it into Vulture's ranking. However, he "only" came in at No. 5, which – despite his star power – is likely due in part to the fact that the film was released seven years ago. Second place, meanwhile, goes to Ryan Coogler, who caused a sensation at this year's Oscars with "Sinners." The vampire film made history with 16 nominations – no other film had ever been in the running for so many Academy Awards. In the end, it won four Oscars, including Best Original Screenplay and Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan. In third place is Denis Villeneuve, who most recently impressed audiences with his visually stunning "Dune" adaptations.

Barbie director Greta Gerwig in the Top 10

The first female director in the ranking is in fourth place: Greta Gerwig. Three years ago, the filmmaker scored a massive box-office hit with her "Barbie" adaptation, which sparked a lot of conversation. Overall, only a few other female directors appear on the Top 100 list. In addition to Gerwig, the ranking includes Emerald Fennell (No. 18, she most recently directed "Wuthering Heights"), Chloé Zhao (No. 46, "Hamnet"), Gina Prince-Bythewood (No. 60, "The Woman King"), Kathryn Bigelow (No. 80, "A House of Dynamite"), Celine Song (No. 87, "Materialists"), Olivia Wilde (No. 92, "The Invite"), Nia DaCosta (No. 94, "28 Years Later: The Bone Temple"), and Maggie Gyllenhaal (No. 99, "The Bride!").

In spots 6, 7, and 8 are three directors who have been drawing audiences to theaters for decades: James Cameron ("Avatar: Fire and Ash"), Steven Spielberg ("Disclosure Day"), and Martin Scorsese ("Killers of the Flower Moon"). Rounding out the top 10 are Jordan Peele, who has made a name for himself primarily as the director of horror films like "Nope," and Paul Thomas Anderson, a long-time critics' favorite who was particularly celebrated this year. The reason: "One Battle After Another." The film, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, emerged as the big winner at this year's Oscars. It took home a total of six awards at the ceremony, including Best Picture, as well as awards for director and screenwriter Paul Thomas Anderson. This success certainly contributed to his making it into the top 10 of the most powerful Hollywood directors.