Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach Are the Director Couple to Watch This Awards Season
Gerwig's Little Women and Baumbach's Marriage Story have already secured multiple nominations.
- Little Women Director Greta Gerwig and Marriage Story Director Noah Baumbach have been in a relationship since 2011.
- The couple, who share a child together, have nominations for their respective films at the 2020 Golden Globes.
- Gerwig and Baumbach are expected to secure 2020 Oscars nominations as well.
As The Hollywood Reporter perfectly puts it, directors Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach are today's first couple of film. Gerwig, who directed the award-winning Lady Bird (2018) and beloved adaption of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women (2019), has been in a relationship with Baumbach since 2011 and shares a nine-month-old child named Harold with him. Baumbach, who has directed films like Kicking and Screaming (1995) and Mistress America (2015) is most recently known for his buzzy Netflix film, Marriage Story, starring Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson. That means at the 2020 Golden Globes—and the rest of the awards season—the couple will essentially be competing against each other.
While Gerwig and Baumbach aren't nominated in Best Director categories at the 2020 Golden Globes, their films do have multiple nominations tonight. Gerwig's Little Women is nominated in two different categories: Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture (Drama) for Saoirse Ronan's role as Jo March, and Original Score.
Meanwhile, Marriage Story has six total nominations. Scarlett Johansson is competing against Ronan for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture (Drama). In addition, Adam Driver is nominated for Best Actor in a Drama Motion Picture and Laura Dern is nominated for Supporting Actress in a Drama Motion Picture. The film also secured spots in the Best Original Score, Best Screenplay of Motion Picture, and Best Motion Picture categories.
Inevitably, the couple will be feeling the pressure this awards season (both films are expected to secure Oscar nominations)—but it also means they get each other.
"It's exciting to have mutual acknowledgment of the work that he and I have both put into [our movies]," Gerwig told The Hollywood Reporter. "There is a sense of wanting to show off for each other. At least on my part. I remember when I showed Noah cuts or drafts of Little Women. He's my favorite filmmaker and my favorite writer. It means everything to me that he thinks it's good."
Related Stories
Baumbach continues, "When we're working on our own projects, we're always talking about them and showing each other things. I always feel very much a part of what she's done. [Little Women] is absolutely hers, but it's not like I woke up one day and this movie's in theaters. She's been talking about it for a few years. It feels like, 'How great that this is being recognized in the way that you hoped it would.'"
Gerwig and Baumbach met on the set of Baumbach's comedy-drama Greenberg in 2009, but their relationship officially began in 2011—a year before Baumbach's divorce proceedings began with his ex-wife Jennifer Jason Leigh (you'll likely recognize her from Netflix's Atypical). Baumbach and Leigh's messy divorce is rumored to be the inspiration behind Marriage Story, though Baumbach claims the movie isn't autobiographical.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
It's exciting to watch the couple, especially Gerwig in a field dominated by male directors, nominated for their work at the same time. Best of luck to both directors this awards season!
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
Related Stories
Rachel Epstein is a writer, editor, and content strategist based in New York City. Most recently, she was the Managing Editor at Coveteur, where she oversaw the site’s day-to-day editorial operations. Previously, she was an editor at Marie Claire, where she wrote and edited culture, politics, and lifestyle stories ranging from op-eds to profiles to ambitious packages. She also launched and managed the site’s virtual book club, #ReadWithMC. Offline, she’s likely watching a Heat game or finding a new coffee shop.
-
Bella Hadid Serves Rocker-Chic Meets Scandi Girl
The model piled on the winter trends for an outing in New York City.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Prince William and Princess Kate are Experiencing "Calm Before the Storm" as They Prep for Throne
"They are next in line for the biggest job of their lives," a source says.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Blue Ivy Carter’s ‘Mufasa’ Makeup Is Causing Controversy
Allow Black girls to experiment with beauty in peace.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
The Best Inspirational Movies of All Time
You may want to keep a tissue box nearby.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
Women Make Up One-Third of the Best Director Nominees at the 2025 Golden Globes
Congratulations are in order for Coralie Fargeat and Payal Kapadia!
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Even After 20 Years, We Can’t Stop Thinking About Natalie Portman’s Pink Wig in 'Closer'
Christine Blundell, the star’s hair and makeup artist on the project, reflects on the bubblegum bob and its legacy as the film celebrates its 20th anniversary.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
The 27 Best Biopics About Musicians of All Time
We're still stunned by these performances—many of which took home Oscars.
By Nicole Briese Published
-
Part of 'Wicked’s Magic? Its Cinematographer, Alice Brooks
The ‘Wicked’ director of photography had an extensive process for creating an Oz like movie audiences have never seen before.
By Esther Zuckerman Published
-
Is Hope Springs, New York Real? What to Know About the 'Hot Frosty' Filming Locations
Here's everything we know about the winter wonderland the rom-com was shot in.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
The Best Movies to Watch If You're Getting Into Old Hollywood Musicals for the First Time
Cinephiles and theater kids would agree that these Old Hollywood films are iconic.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
The Best Movies About Female Friendship
From outrageous comedies to empowering dramas.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published