To say that women have it rough in the film industry is nothing new, but female directors specifically endure the most hardships.

Only four women have ever been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director, with only one taking home the statue. Of the 50 highest-­grossing films, “Frozen” is the only one directed by a woman. Even then, Jennifer Lee co-directed it with male director Chris Buck.

Despite these statistics, this does not mean that women cannot make great films. In fact, some of the best films of the past year, decade and possibly of all time, have been directed by females.

Here are five directors who have shown that talent is not defined by gender.

1. Kathryn Bigelow (“Point Break,” “The Hurt Locker,” “Zero Dark Thirty”)

From humble beginnings as a daughter of a paint factory manager, Bigelow has proven that she is a force to be reckoned with. Whether it’s a crazy, tongue-­in­cheek 90s action movie like “Point Break” or a hyper-­realistic thriller like “Zero Dark Thirty,” her films have the power to entertain, inform and inspire. Something worth mentioning is the fact that she is the ex­-wife of director James Cameron, who has won over 11 Academy awards. Despite her former relationship, she has proven that she will not live in his shadow after winning an Oscar for her film “The Hurt Locker.”

2. Susanne Bier (“Brothers,” “After the Wedding,” “In a Better World”)

Simply put, Bier is one of Denmark’s finest. She directs ultra-­dramatic films that stir intellect and emotion alike. Even if there’s a language barrier that would prevent you from watching her films, I recommend using translative captions, because these films need to be viewed by any movie fanatic.

3. Niki Caro (“Whale Rider,” “McFarland U.S.A.”)

A New Zealand-­born director, Caro knows how to craft inspiring stories with powerful performances. With underrepresented groups as the forefront of most of her films, (Maori in “Whale Rider,” the labor movement in “North Country” and Mexican­-Americans in “McFarland U.S.A.”) Caro delivers films that provide more than entertainment. Her films are her artistic way of having her voice heard about her passion for advocating minority groups.

4. Lone Scherfig (“Italian for Beginners,” “An Education”)

Alongside Bier, Scherfig is another respected Danish director that delivers great films. Her films centralize more on crafting romances with heart, wit and a penchant for defying expectations.

5. Ava DuVernay (“Selma”)

She may be fairly new to the scene, but has already made a name for herself with her film, “Selma.” DuVernay’s ability to show the struggles of the African­American Civil Rights Movement through the eyes of its patron saint, Martin Luther King, Jr., was a revelation. “Selma” has received praise from critics and it’s a film I personally enjoy each time I watch it. I cannot wait to see what she does next.