Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Director
The Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Director was an annual award given to the best director of a new musical or play on Broadway or Off-Broadway, as determined by Outer Critics Circle. The award was given out since the 1976-1977 season, but was split into musical and play categories in 1993.
Michael Blakemore won the award more than any other director, with two wins. He is tied with Tommy Tune, Jerry Zaks and Lloyd Richards with two nominations each, before the category was split in 1993.
Award winners
;Key1970s
| Year | Director | Production | Ref. |
| 1977 | - | - | - |
| 1977 | Andrei Serban | The Cherry Orchard | |
| 1977 | Gordon Davidson | The Shadow Box | |
| 1978 | - | - | - |
| 1978 | Melvin Bernhardt | Da | |
| 1979 | - | - | - |
| 1979 | Jack Hofsiss | The Elephant Man |