Photo: © Columbia Pictures, Inc.

Born in Carlisle, Cumberland, England. Began his career as a musician with rock band, The Gas Board (which also featured Bryan Ferry, whom Figgis taught to play the piano), and spent nearly ten years touring with the experimental theater group, The People Show, in the 1970s. After an unsuccessful application to London's National Film School in 1976, Figgis made his mark with a TV movie, "The House" (1986), which attracted the attention of producer David Puttnam. He has since proved himself an adept handler of moody thrillers. Writer, producer, director and composer, Figgis' other credits include STORMY MONDAY (1988), INTERNAL AFFAIRS (1990), LIEBESTRAUM (1991), MR. JONES (1993), THE BROWNING VERSION (1994), ONE NIGHT STAND and FLAMENCO WOMEN (both 1997), THE LOSS OF SEXUAL INNOCENCE and MISS JULIE (both 1999), TIMECODE (2000), HOTEL and THE BATTLE OF ORGREAVE (both 2001), TEN MINUTES OLDER: THE CELLO (2002, segment: "About Time 2"), "The Blues" (TV mini-series, episode: "Red, White & Blues") and COLD CREEK MANOR (both 2003), and CO/MA and an episode of "The Sopranos" (TV series) (both 2004). Figgis has an untitled film project scheduled for release in 2008.  Nominated for Achievement in Directing 1995: LEAVING LAS VEGAS  Nominated for Achievement in Writing (Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published) 1995: LEAVING LAS VEGAS 2 nominations