With tonight's 2011 Academy Awards, there's been a lot of focus on this year's "blackout," the lack of African Americans nominated for awards. Of course, like the Grammys and other awards shows, the Oscars don't necessarily validate or confirm the greatness of a work; a good film speaks for itself, whether or not it's getting love from the people handing out awards.

With that in mind, The Root decided to take a look at up-and-coming black directors who we predict will be forces in the film industry, whether or not they're recognized by the Academy Awards. You will find that what this diverse set of directors has in common is passion, skill, talent and the ability to tell stories in a way that resonates with various audiences. We'll be watching them -- and so should you.

Tanya Hamilton

With Night Catches Us, Hamilton made her feature-film directing debut with a cerebral film about the complications of love in the post-Black Panther era. With her use of animation and painterly cinematography, Hamilton demonstrated a keen ability to tell a story that is different from anything else on the cinematic scene, with large themes and compelling characters. (She managed to pull in some A-list talent as well: Kerry Washington and Anthony Mackie star in this small independent film.) If you think Hamilton is aiming for something more mainstream for her next project, think again. Her upcoming Tribe will explore the lives of two Native American brothers, one of whom is half black.

Why She's One to Watch: She's not afraid to take on topics that no one else will.

Salim Akil

This Oakland, Calif., native knows his way around relationships on film and television, over the years working steadily as a writer, producer and director. He got his start writing and co-producing the critically acclaimed Drylongso. He then worked as a writer, director and eventual executive producer on Showtime's hit series Soul Food. Akil added his talent and vision to Girlfriends, serving as a writer, producer and director, and then to the wildly popular show The Game, executive-produced by his wife and business partner, Mara Brock-Akil. Akil served as director on Jumping the Broom, starring Angela Bassett, Paula Patton, Laz Alonso and Loretta Devine. The film opens Mother's Day weekend.

Why He's One to Watch: He's got the skills to move between television and film projects without sacrificing his integrity.

Patrik-Ian Polk

Patrik-Ian Polk is bringing LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) issues to the big and small screens through great storytelling and intriguing characters. The Mississippi native has managed to move gay stories and subject matter from the margins to the center of the film world, producing and directing films that give voice to a population that has previously been silenced or represented solely through a humorous lens.

Polk's first feature film, Punks, produced by Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, explores the relationships within a group of gay African-American friends. The film was screened at the 2000 Sundance Film Festival, chosen to open the 24th San Francisco International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, and nominated for the GLAAD Media Award and the John Cassavetes Award. Polk's next project was Logo's Noah's Arc, which also explored black gay friendships. The show was set in Los Angeles and became known as the gay Sex and the City. It addressed many issues, including same-sex marriage, HIV/AIDS awareness, parenthood and homophobia. The show ran for two seasons and produced a spin-off feature film entitled Noah's Arc: Jumping the Broom, which Polk wrote, produced and directed.

Why He's One to Watch: Through his director's lens, he transforms black gay men from object to subject.

Ava DuVernay

Some may know Ava DuVernay as a powerhouse publicist, but becoming a great filmmaker is next on her list. DuVernay has directed a documentary on female emcees, My Mic Sounds Nice, and the feature film I Will Follow, starring Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Omari Hardwick, Tracie Thoms and Michole White. In her feature-film debut, DuVernay directs an ensemble cast through a story of loss, recovery and the resiliency of the human spirit. I Will Follow, which opens in March, won the Audience Award at the 2010 Urbanworld Film Festival. Did we mention she formed her own distribution company, the African-American Film Festival Releasing Movement, which will be powered by the nation's black film festival organizations?