The 44-year-old began his career in television, directing commercials and then films. In 1997, he made his first feature film, starring his brother.

Hazanavicius is also a producer and screenwriter, and he is best known for his spy movie spooks - like OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies and OSS 117: Lost in Rio.

This year, he has been nominated for three Oscars for The Artist: Best Director, Best Original Screenplay and Best Editing.

Text: Sify.com