Who was the first female director to gain notoriety in American cinema?

Alice Guy-Blaché is recognized as the first female director to gain notoriety in American cinema. She began her career in the late 19th century and was a pioneering figure in the film industry. Guy-Blaché directed one of the earliest narrative films and went on to establish her own production company, making significant contributions to the development of film techniques and storytelling. Her work paved the way for future female filmmakers and showcased that women could take on crucial creative roles in a male-dominated industry.

Frances Marion, while a highly regarded screenwriter and director, achieved prominence later, primarily in the silent and early sound eras but is not credited as the first female director. Mary Pickford is known for her acting and producing work in early Hollywood but did not direct films herself. Lois Weber was indeed a talented director and is known for her innovative approaches in filmmaking, but she followed in the wake of Guy-Blaché's earlier contributions and reputation. Thus, Alice Guy-Blaché's status as the first female director distinguishes her as an important figure in the history of American cinema.