Patrice Leconte (born in Paris, 1947) is one of the most versatile and eclectic French directors and screenwriters. He began his career as a cartoonist for Pilote magazine before moving into cinema, achieving enormous popularity in France during the 70s and 80s with cult satirical comedies, particularly the Les Bronzés series. He won over international audiences and critics starting in the late 1980s, demonstrating surprising stylistic mastery. He is acclaimed for profoundly different works such as the psychological thriller Monsieur Hire (1989), the sensual The Hairdresser's Husband (1990), and the costume drama Ridicule (1996), the latter earning an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. His filmography is an example of technical mastery, capable of spanning from intimate drama to ensemble comedy, and even animated cinema (The Suicide Shop).