Born Itek Dommnici in Ungeny, Rumania. Immigrated to the US (Brooklyn) at age 9, adding the decorative initials to his name some time later. He liked to say his initials stood for Interscholastic Algebra League. When further pressed as to what "I.A.L." actually stood for, Diamond admitted that the I was for Israel (which was his preferred first name), but maintained that the "A.L." had no particular significance. Diamond just liked the way the initials "I.A.L." looked together. His nickname was "Iz." Diamond moved to Hollywood in 1941, working on mostly unexceptional films before teaming up with Billy Wilder for LOVE IN THE AFTERNOON (1957). He became Wilder's co-writer of choice (taking the place of Charles Brackett), with the team turning out consistently incisive, outstanding comedies through what would prove to be the last feature film for each of them, BUDDY BUDDY (1981). He also acted as associate producer on the Wilder-Diamond films. He soloed on CACTUS FLOWER (1969).  Nominated for Writing (Best Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium) 1959: SOME LIKE IT HOT (w. Billy Wilder)  Writing (Best Story and Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen) 1960: THE APARTMENT (w. Billy Wilder)  Nominated for Writing (Best Story and Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen) 1966: THE FORTUNE COOKIE (w. Billy Wilder) 3 nominations, 1 Award