There are two past winners in this category: Ivalu director Anders Walter, who won this prize in 2013 for Helium, and Le Pupille producer Alfonso Cuarón, who is new to this race but has taken home awards for directing, cinematography, and editing, for Roma and Gravity. Ivaluand The Red Suitcase both tell harrowing stories that find young girls facing miserable presents, while Night Ride finds an uplifting angle in an otherwise serious situation. Le Pupille and An Irish Goodbye, which won the BAFTA, are both much lighter and full of laughter.

Should win: Le Pupille

Will win: Le Pupille

Alternate: An Irish Goodbye