Born May 8, 1963, in Versailles, France, into a freethinking and artistic family, Michel Gondry was encouraged to nurture his creativity growing up. After entering art school, Gondry formed the punk band Oui Oui, in which he served as drummer and videographer.

The band achieved moderate success, and when Icelandic pop star Björk saw one of their videos, she immediately asked Gondry to direct her first solo effort. Soon, bands from the Rolling Stones to Massive Attack were clamoring for his services.

Not surprisingly, Hollywood came calling, attracted by Gondry's childlike vision, innovative camera techniques and unique imagery. In 2001, Gondry helmed his first feature, Human Nature, and three years later, he received an Oscar nomination for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, which he directed and co-wrote. In 2005, he directed Dave Chappelle's Block Party.