The son of a film critic, director Jim Jarmusch grew up to be the darling of the Cannes Film Festival, winning the Grand Jury Prize for 2005's Broken Flowers. He's also scored a slew of nominations and awards for other movies, including Stranger than Paradise (1984), Down by Law (1986) and Dead Man (1995).

Born Jan. 22, 1953, in Akron, Ohio, Jarmusch disrupted his college studies to spend a year in France -- an experience reflected in the outsider's view of America that defines many of his films. Deadpan wit, minimalist style, a staccato narrative and often leisurely pace also characterize his directorial style in movies such as the 1997 documentary Year of the Horse, Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (2000) and Coffee and Cigarettes (2003).

With his white pompadour and rock-star persona, Jarmusch has also acted in several movies, including Straight to Hell (1987) and In the Soup (1992).