Andrew Niccol

**Andrew Niccol** (born 10 June 1964) is a renowned New Zealand screenwriter, producer, and director, who has made significant contributions to the film industry. His portfolio includes acclaimed movies such as Gattaca (1997), Simone (2002), Lord of War (2005), In Time (2011), The Host (2013), and Good Kill (2014). For his work on The Truman Show, he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and bagged a BAFTA award in the same category. His high-concept science fiction films tend to explore social, cultural and political issues with themes such as artificial realities and simulations voraciously present. Born and raised in New Zealand, Niccol began directing TV ads in London, only venturing into filmmaking with his directorial debut, Gattaca (1997). He met his second wife, model and actress Rachel Roberts during the production of Simone. His film Good Kill was selected for competition at the 71st Venice International Film Festival. Niccol's work has received numerous accolades, including a Best Film award for Gattaca (1997) at the Sitges - Catalan International Film Festival. His film Lord of War (2005) received Special Recognition for Excellence in Filmmaking from the National Board of Review. In 2021, Niccol was titled the director and writer of a film based on the Christchurch mosque shootings called They Are Us. Niccol's breakthrough screenplay was his script for the film The Truman Show (1998), which ushered in nominations and awards from several prestigious institutions.