With a resume that boasts such films as My Beautiful Laundrette, Dangerous Liaisons, The Grifters, The Queen, Philomena, and Florence Foster Jenkins, Stephen Frears is one of the most talented and diverse directors there is. He’s been nominated twice for Best Director, for The Grifters and The Queen, while three of his films have had Best Picture nominations. He’s also clearly a great storyteller for women: Glenn Close, Michelle Pfeiffer, Anjelica Huston, Annette Bening, Helen Mirren, Judi Dench (twice), and Meryl Streep have all been nominated for working with him. He is, by far, most overdue for recognition by the Academy.

This article is part of a special year-long series of anecdotes, reflections and thoughts about the Academy Awards.