Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Leading figure of the Argentinian film industry who began directing commercials at the age of 19 and directed, produced and co-wrote his first feature, LUCES DE MIS ZAPATOS / LIGHTS OF MY SHOES, in 1973. Puenzo earned international recognition for LA HISTORIA OFICIAL / THE OFFICIAL STORY (1985), a subtle and moving account of a middle-class woman who gradually becomes aware of her own complicity in a corrupt political regime. The film earned Norma Aleandro a best actress award at Cannes in 1985 and itself took home the Oscar® for best foreign film the following year; Puenzo was also nominated for best screenplay. On the strength of his ability to make an intimate, character-driven drama reflect wider social and political issues, Puenzo was chosen to direct OLD GRINGO (1989), adapted from the novel by Carlos Fuentes. Despite a $25 million budget and the presence of stars Jane Fonda and Gregory Peck, the film proved a rambling critical and commercial flop. Other notable directing credits include WITH OPEN ARMS (1990), LA PESTE / THE PLAGUE (1992, also writer), "Broken Silence" (2002, TV mini-series - segment "Some Who Lived") and LA PUTA Y LA BALLENA / THE WHORE AND THE WHALE (2004, also writer).  Nominated for Writing (Best Screenplay written directly for the screen) 1985: LA HISTORIA OFICIAL (THE OFFICIAL STORY) (w. Aida Bortnik) 1 nomination