John Huston

John Marcellus Huston (August 5, 1906 – August 28, 1987) was an American film director, screenwriter and actor. Born in Missouri, Huston studied and worked as a fine art painter in Paris. He moved to Mexico and began his writing career with plays and short stories, later moving to Los Angeles as a Hollywood screenwriter. Known for his immense contribution in the world of cinema, Huston's directing debut came with The Maltese Falcon (1941). Over the next 45 years, he directed classics such as The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948), The African Queen (1951) and The Dead (1987). Throughout his career, Huston received 14 Academy Award nominations, winning twice. From directing to acting, Huston was recognised for his roles in films like The Cardinal (1963) and Chinatown (1974).

Referred to as "a titan", "a rebel", and a "renaissance man" in the Hollywood film industry, Huston traveled widely, living in France, Mexico, and Ireland. He was a citizen of the United States by birth but renounced this to become an Irish citizen and resident in 1964. He returned to the United States, where he lived the rest of his life. He was also the father of actress Anjelica Huston, whom he directed to an Oscar win.