Sam Mendes - British film director, born 1 August 1965, Reading, England. He started in theatre, working for the Royal Shakespeare Company, and later becoming artistic director of London's Donmar Warehouse Theater. He directed Nicole Kidman's daring, multi-character performance in the London and Broadway productions of The Blue Room. His first feature film, American Beauty (1999) earned 5 Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director. He married actress Kate Winslett in 2003.