Ridley Scott

Sir Ridley Scott (born 30 November 1937) ranks among the highest-grossing directors and is known for directing films in the science fiction, crime, and historical drama genres. His work is characterized by its atmospheric visual style. His credits include iconic films such as Alien (1979), Gladiator (2000), and Blade Runner (1982), among others. Scott is also renowned for his commitment to detailed production design and innovative lighting techniques, making him influential for many in the industry. He has received numerous accolades including two Primetime Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and the BAFTA Fellowship for Lifetime Achievement in 2018. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2003. Scott began his career in television as a designer and director before transitioning into advertising as a director of commercials. He made his film directorial debut with The Duellists (1977) and gained wider recognition with his subsequent film, Alien. Despite the diverse settings and periods of his films, they consistently showcase remarkable imagery of urban environments, ancient civilizations, as well as futuristic cityscapes and alien planets.

In addition to his directorial work, Scott is known for his enthusiasm for the DVD format and has consistently produced 'director’s cut' versions of his films, providing audiences with new material and further insights into his creative vision. He has been nominated thrice for the Academy Award for Best Director for Thelma & Louise, Gladiator and Black Hawk Down. His films Alien, Blade Runner, and Thelma & Louise were selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry for being culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant. He also dabbles in television and has ten Primetime Emmy Award nominations to his credit. He won twice, one for The Gathering Storm (2002) and another for Gettysburg (2011).