Alfred Hitchcock (1899-1980) was a British film director and producer, universally recognized as one of the most influential filmmakers in the history of cinema and nicknamed the "Master of Suspense." His long career began in the United Kingdom during the silent film era, where he achieved success with thrillers before moving to Hollywood in 1940. His first American film, *Rebecca*, won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Among his masterpieces are *Rear Window*, *Vertigo*, *Psycho*, and *The Birds*, works that defined the psychological thriller genre. His style is characterized by a meticulous construction of suspense, the use of the "MacGuffin," and an exploration of voyeurism. Despite five nominations, he never won the Academy Award for Best Director, but his body of work was honored with the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award in 1968. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1980, shortly before his death.