Name: Sam Mendes

Film: "Jarhead"

Born: Aug. 1, 1965 (Reading, Berkshire, England)

Bio: Sam Mendes — the son of a university lecturer and an author of children's books — came to film via a prestigious albeit circuitous route. Mendes started his directing career at the Royal Shakespeare Company, where he guided such classically trained actors as Ralph Fiennes and Judi Dench. His subsequent direction of the stage musical "Cabaret" earned four Tony Awards, including one for best revival of a musical. Mendes followed that success by directing Broadway sensation "The Blue Room," which starred Nicole Kidman. In 1999, Mendes finally got the chance to direct a feature film, and he made the most of it: His big-screen debut, "American Beauty," earned five Academy Awards, including best picture and best director.

Credits:
"Sweeney Todd" (2006)
"The Kite Runner" (2006)
"Jarhead" (2005)
"Road to Perdition" (2002)
"American Beauty" (1999)
"Company" (1996) (TV)
"Cabaret" (1993) (TV)

Notable: Mendes married actress Kate Winslet in 2003.