Oliver Hirschbiegel

Hirschbiegel was born in Hamburg, Germany. A Waldorf graduate, Hirschbiegel studied painting and graphic arts, later film, at the Hamburg University of Fine Arts. In 1986, he directed his first film, the made-for-TV movie Das Go! Projekt, the script for which he had written himself. He became a successful TV director, directing numerous episodes of the Tatort and Kommissar Rex series. His first theatrical release was the well-received movie Das Experiment.

In 2004, he attracted world-wide attention with the film Der Untergang (released in English-speaking countries as Downfall), produced by Bernd Eichinger. It recounts Adolf Hitler's last days, and sparked an extensive debate in Germany over the portrayal of Nazi leaders. The film was a critical and commercial success, winning numerous awards and a nomination for the Academy Award for the best foreign film. One scene from the film has become the basis for a widespread viral video phenomenon.

He directed his first Hollywood feature The Invasion, which was partly re-shot by Australian director James McTeigue, at the request of the studio.

Hirschbiegel directed the biographical film Diana, about Diana, Princess of Wales, which was released in September 2013. Actress Naomi Watts plays the title role.

His film 13 Minutes was selected to be screened out of competition at the 65th Berlin International Film Festival.

Oliver's brother Urs is an assistant director and producer.

• Das Experiment (2001)
• Downfall (2004)
• Ein ganz gewöhnlicher Jude (de) (2005)
• The Invasion (2007)
• Five Minutes of Heaven (2009)
• Diana (2013)
• 13 Minutes (2015)

Wins

• 1998 RTL Golden Lion Awards, Best Direction of a TV Film or Series for "Das Urteil" and "Trickser
• 1998 Adolf Grimme Awards, Audience Award of the 'Marl Group' for Das Urteil
• 1999 Bavarian Film Awards for Directing Todfeinde - Die falsche Entscheidung
• 2001 Bergen International Film Festival Audience Award for "Das Experiment"
• 2001 Bavarian Film Awards, Best Direction for Das Experiment
• 2001 Montréal World Film Festival Best Director, "Das Experiment"
• 2002 Istanbul International Film Festival, People's Choice Award, "Das Experiment"
• 2004 Bambi Awards Film - National, "Der Untergang"
• 2005 Bavarian Film Awards Audience Award for "Der Untergang"
• 2005 Amanda Awards Best Foreign Feature Film (Årets utenlandske kinofilm), "Der Untergang"
• 2006 Bodil Awards Best Non-American Film (Bedste ikke-amerikanske film), "Der Untergang"
• 2006 Fajr International Film Festival International Competition - Best Technical or Artistic Achievement, "Der Untergang"
• 2006 Robert Award Best Non-American Film (Årets ikke-amerikanske film), "Der Untergang"
• 2009 Prix Europa Special Commendation - TV Fiction "Five Minutes of Heaven"
• 2009 Sundance Film Festival Directing Award, World Cinema, Dramatic - "Five Minutes of Heaven"

Nominations

• 1998 Adolf Grimme Awards Adolf Grimme Award, Fiction/Entertainment - "Das Urteil"
• 2001 European Film Awards Audience Award, Best Director, "Das Experiment"
• 2002 Fantasporto International Fantasy Film Award, Best Film, "Das Experiment"
• 2003 Paris Film Festival Grand Prix, "Das Experiment"
• 2005 Mar del Plata Film Festival Best Film, "Der Untergang"
• 2005 Academy Awards Best Foreign Language Film of the Year
• 2006 Goya Awards Best European Film (Mejor Película Europea), "Der Untergang"
• 2006 Argentinean Film Critics Association Awards Best Foreign Film, Not in the Spanish Language (Mejor Película Extranjera), "Der Untergang"
• 2009 Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize, World Cinema - Dramatic, "Five Minutes of Heaven"
• 2010 Broadcasting Press Guild Awards Broadcasting Press Guild Award, Best Single Drama - "Five Minutes of Heaven"