Oliver Hirschbiegel


Oliver Hirschbiegel is a German film and television director. His feature works include the award-winning Das Experiment and the Oscar-nominated film about Adolf Hitler, Downfall. His television work includes the German series 4 Blocks, Netflix's Criminal: Germany and Apple TV's Constellation

Early life and education

Oliver Hirschbiegel was born in Hamburg, West Germany on 29 December 1957.
A Waldorf graduate, Hirschbiegel studied painting and graphic arts, later film, at the Hamburg University of Fine Arts.

Career

In 1986, Oliver directed his first film, the made-for-television movie Das Go! Projekt. He became a successful TV director, directing numerous episodes of the Tatort and Kommissar Rex series.
His first theatrical release was the critically acclaimed movie Das Experiment. The film received positive reviews and 14 film awards, with a further 14 nominations. Oliver was awarded 'Best Director' at Montreal and Istanbul Film Festivals for the film.
In 2004, he attracted world-wide attention with the film Der Untergang, starring Bruno Ganz as Adolf Hitler during his last days. 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. The film sparked an extensive debate in Germany over the portrayal of Nazi leaders. Before directing the film, he was in talks to direct Blade: Trinity.
In 2009, Oliver directed the British film Five Minutes of Heaven starring Liam Neeson and James Nesbit which won him 'Best Director' for International Drama at Sundance Film Festival and was nominated for a BAFTA as 'Best Single Drama'.
He directed his first Hollywood feature The Invasion, which was partly re-shot by Australian director James McTeigue, at the request of the studio.. Oliver directed the 2013 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 in 2015 and won 'Best Film' at the Munich Film Festival.
Oliver has also had an extensive career in television, directing series including Borgias, the German series 4 Blocks which saw him nominated for a Romy for 'Best TV Direction', Netflix's Criminal: Germany and Apple TV's Constellation. In 2023, Oliver's episode Der Taucher of the German anthology series Strafe was nominated for Best Single Episode at Cannesseries Festival.

Filmography

' Trickser

Awards and nominations

Wins
Nominations