Leo McCarey was an American film director known for his work on nearly 200 films. Born in Los Angeles, California, McCarey was a prominent figure in the film industry, particularly in the comedy genre, before World War II. He directed critically acclaimed films such as “Duck Soup,” “Make Way for Tomorrow,” “The Awful Truth,” “Going My Way,” “The Bells of St. Mary’s,” “My Son John,” and “An Affair To Remember.” McCarey was versatile, transitioning from screwball comedies in the 1930s to more socially conscious and religious films in the 1940s, garnering success and acclaim in both genres.

Denis Villeneuve is a critically acclaimed Canadian film director known for his visually arresting and thought-provoking films. Born in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada, he has carved a niche for himself in the international cinema scene with his distinctive storytelling style and adeptness at handling complex themes. Villeneuve first gained recognition with films like “Maelström” and “Polytechnique”, but it was his work on “Incendies” that garnered him widespread acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. He has since directed a series of successful films, including “Prisoners”, “Sicario”, “Arrival”, and “Blade Runner 2049.” His work is characterised by its atmospheric tension, meticulous attention to detail, and exploration of the human condition. Villeneuve continues to be a prominent figure in the film industry.

Buster Keaton was an iconic American actor, comedian, film director, producer, screenwriter, and stunt performer best known for his silent film work in the 1920s. With a career spanning over six decades, Keaton was celebrated for his deadpan expression, which earned him the nickname “The Great Stone Face”. He was a pioneer in the field of visual and physical comedy, and his films, such as “The General” and “Steamboat Bill, Jr.” are still celebrated for their innovative stunts and timeless humour. Keaton’s work has had a significant influence on the genre of comedy in cinema, and he is considered one of the greatest comic actors and filmmakers of all time.

Mitchell Leisen was an American director, art director, costume designer, and producer. He began his career in the film industry in the 1920s, initially working in the art and costume departments. Leisen directed his first film, “Cradle Song,” in 1933 and quickly gained recognition for his aesthetic sensibility in creating glossy Hollywood melodramas and screwball comedies. Some of his best-known films include the 1934 adaptations of “Death Takes a Holiday” and “Murder at the Vanities,” as well as “Midnight” and “Hold Back the Dawn”, both of which were scripted by Billy Wilder. Leisen also directed “Easy Living”, written by Preston Sturges and starring Jean Arthur, which was another significant success for him. His later successful films include “Lady in the Dark”, “To Each His Own”, and “No Man of Her Own”.

Julien Duvivier was a prominent French film director and screenwriter active from 1919 to 1967, particularly noted for his contributions to French cinema between the 1930s and 1960s. Born in Lille, France, Duvivier began his career as an actor before transitioning to directing. He was celebrated for his original films, including “La Bandera,” “Pépé le Moko,” “Little World of Don Camillo,” “Panic (Panique),” “Deadlier Than the Male,” and “Marianne de ma Jeunesse.” His work was characterised by technical mastery, rigour, and poetic sensibility, earning him accolades from peers like Jean Renoir. Duvivier’s films often explored themes of religion, human instincts, and the complexities of life, showcasing his versatile storytelling and stylistic approach. His legacy is cemented by a filmography comprising nearly 70 films, leaving an indelible mark on the world of cinema.

Rouben Zachary Mamoulian was an American film and theatre director of Armenian descent, born in Tiflis, Russian Empire (now Tbilisi, Georgia). With a career spanning from 1929 to 1963, Mamoulian made significant contributions to both the stage and screen. He began his Broadway directorial career with the production of DuBose Heyward’s “Porgy” in 1927 and was the first to stage notable works like “Oklahoma!” “Carousel”, and “Lost in the Stars”. In film, he directed the landmark 1929 sound film “Applause” and the first three-strip Technicolor film “Becky Sharp”. Mamoulian was known for his innovative use of camera movement and sound, as well as his uncompromising approach to his craft, which eventually led to his blacklisting in the 1950s.