Sofia Coppola

As a member of a filmmaking dynasty that included such heavy-hitters as father Francis Ford Coppola, cousin Nicolas Cage and various other Hollywood luminaries, writer-director Sofia Coppola parlayed her industry clout into acting, modeling and fashion design before becoming an Academy Award-winning filmmaker with "Lost in Translation" (2003). Prior to becoming a bona fide director in her own right, Coppola had the notorious distinction for being accused by some critics for almost singlehandedly destroying "The Godfather Part III" (1990) with her often stilted performance as Mary Corleone. Though she had appeared onscreen before in various other films - namely ones directed by her father - Coppola effectively ended her career in front of the camera amidst rampant calls of nepotism. After drifting through various other creative endeavors, she made a huge splash by tackling risky source material to helm an inventive and imaginative adaptation of "The Virgin Suicides" (2000), which earned serious praise on the festival circuit while establishing her as a serious filmmaker to watch. But it was her second film, "Lost in Translation," that announced her arrival in earnest. She followed up with the controversial "Marie Antoinette" (2006), which divided both critics and audiences over its non-political and historically devoid take on the famed Queen of France. Nonetheless, Coppola managed to pursue her filmmaking ambitions on her own terms, without the pressure of having to live up to her family name.