Neil Jordan

Neil Patrick Jordan (born 25 February 1950) is an accomplished Irish film director, screenwriter, novelist, and short-story writer. His first significant success was with a collection of short stories, namely 'Night in Tunisia,' which won the Guardian Fiction Prize in 1979. Later, he worked at RTÉ before making his directorial debut with the 1982 film 'Angel'. Jordan is perhaps most renowned for films such as the crime thrillers 'Mona Lisa' (1986) and 'The Crying Game' (1992), the horror dramas 'Interview with the Vampire' (1994) and 'Byzantium' (2012), and the biopic 'Michael Collins' (1996). His work also includes the Showtime Network television series 'The Borgias' (2011–2013), and Sky Atlantic's 'Riviera' (2017–2020). Jordan was honoured with the Academy Award, two BAFTA Awards, three IFTA Film & Drama Awards, a Golden Lion and a Silver Bear, and the French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 1996.

Jordan's versatile career started in the late '70s with RTÉ, where he contributed to children's fantasy series 'Wanderly Wagon'. In 1981, he was brought on as a 'creative associate' by John Boorman during the filming of 'Excalibur in Ireland'. This was followed by his directorial debut with 'Angel'. His films are often marked by unconventional sexual relationships and mirroring the Troubles of Northern Ireland, making him a distinct voice in the industry. In 1996, his film 'The Crying Game' got six Academy Award nominations, and Jordan won the Best Original Screenplay Award. He has also worked on other pivotal cinematic projects like 'Interview with the Vampire' and 'The Brave One' featuring Jodie Foster. Despite some occasional setbacks, Jordan continues to be a compelling and creative force in the film industry.