Born in Maignelay-Montigny, Oise, Picardie, France. After studies at I.D.H.E.C. from 1948-1950, he worked briefly as assistant director, then began directing short documentaries. A journey to India and the Far East provided him with material for several short and medium-length films, one of which (LE SOURIRE) won him an award at the 1960 Cannes Festival. His very first feature film, LES DIAMANCHES DE VILLE D'AVRAY / SUNDAYS AND CYBELE, won the Academy Award for best foreign language film in 1962. Other notable writing/directing credits include LE MONTREUR D'OMBRES and ESCALE (both 1959), LE SOURIRE (1960), THE REWARD (1965), and À CŒUR JOLIE (1967). Bourguignon directed THE PICASSO SUMMER (1969).  Nominated for Writing (Best Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium) 1963: SUNDAYS AND CYBELE (w. Antoine Tudal) 1 nomination