The two directors that stood out this year couldn't be more different. One directed what may be the best action movie of the decade while the other directed a lesbian romance with such intimacy and prowess. 

Let's have a look!

Todd Haynes - "Carol"

By Francisco Salazar 

It's hard to choose who the best director of the year is because in 2015 so many of today's best filmmakers put out career bests. Among these were George Miller for "Mad Max: Fury Road," John Crowley for "Brooklyn," James Kent for "Testament of Youth," Laszlo Nemes for "Son of Saul" and Tom Hooper for "The Danish Girl" to name a few. But there was one filmmaker who stood out on top and that was Todd Haynes.

Haynes has been experimenting in many genres and dramas throughout his career. This year however, his film "Carol" showed the director at the height of his powers. "Carol" follows the relationship of two women in the 1950s and the difficulties they must face in this time period. While it follows a basic narrative, it is Haynes' direction that really enlivens this film. Together with his cinematographer Edward Lachman, Haynes creates portraits in each frame and makes sure to marginalize the character of Carol. She is never in control of the situation and is always off kilter in both emotions and her actions. This is perfectly balanced in each shot, adding another level to the drama.

Haynes' ear for music in this film allowed Carter Burwell to create a subtle love theme that is accompanied by the arpeggiated triplets. Both sensual and incessant, this music gives the film a subtle yet romantic tone.

Haynes makes sure to never let the costume designers or set decorators get in the way of his performers and he directs Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara in performances that can be considered career highs. One of the most memorable scenes is without a doubt when Carol gives up her rights to her daughter. Here Haynes stays on Blanchett's performance, making sure to give the actress freedom to get to the right place emotional. It is a tour de force but also one of the most emotional highlights of the film.

George Miller - "Mad Max: Fury Road"

By David Salazar 

George Miller's work in "Mad Max: Fury Road" is simply unparalleled in 2015. Maybe this century.

The filmmaker has created arguably the best action movie of the century with the poetry and visual dynamism of the best directors of times past and present.

"Mad Max: Fury Road" is a non-stop adrenaline rush, a film that essentially plays out as an extended sequence that is constantly on the run. There is never a single element that feels unnecessary or out of place, with each and every moment developing the story and our rather quiet characters.

The detail of every frame has viewers pondering images on repeat viewings, always finding never-before-seen nuance and vividness. "Mad Max: Fury Road" is a cinematic symphony, every element growing out of previous pieces, with motifs evolving and transforming in the most subtle of ways.

That he accomplished this feat within the studio system speaks even more highly to Miller's genius and the film's undeniable timeliness.