Stephen Frears

Nominated for an Academy Award for The Grifters in 1990, renowned director Stephen Frears began his feature film career in 1972 with Gumshoe starring Albert Finney. A native of England, Frears studied law at Cambridge University before turning to the arts and became involved with London's Royal Court Theatre. While there he served as an assistant to director Lindsay Anderson and to Albert Finney. He began in the film industry as an assistant director to director Karel Reisz.

Frears' diverse works include such films as Dangerous Liaisons which earned six Academy Award nominations, The Hi-Lo Country, starring Woody Harrelson and Billy Crudup, Hero, starring Dustin Hoffman and Andy Garcia, The Snapper, starring Colm Meany and adapted from the work of Irish writer Roddy Doyle and Mary Reilly, starring Julia Roberts. Among his other film credits are three produced by Tim Bevan including My Beautiful Launderette and Sammy and Rosie Get Laid.