The 1987 feature film Pelle the Conqueror secured a Palme d'Or for Bille August, establishing him among an exclusive group of ten directors who have achieved this prestigious Cannes recognition twice. Beyond his directorial success, he maintains a multi-faceted career that includes roles as a cinematographer, screenwriter, and photographer within the Danish film industry.
Early Career and Education
Born in 1948 in Brede, Denmark, August began his professional training in Sweden at the Foto- och Dokumentärskolan. He later returned to his home country to study at the National Film School of Denmark, completing his tenure there between 1971 and 1973. He entered the industry initially as a cinematographer before transitioning into directing, with his 1978 debut In My Life earning the Bodil Award for Best Danish Film.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →International Recognition
August earned his first Palme d'Or in 1988 for the production of Pelle the Conqueror, a film that also garnered Academy Award and Golden Globe recognition. In 1992, he repeated this feat by winning his second Palme d'Or for The Best Intentions, which was adapted from an autobiographical script written by Ingmar Bergman. Throughout his career, he has accumulated five Robert Awards and three Bodil Awards.
Diverse Projects and Collaborations
His extensive filmography spans various genres and source materials. Notable projects include adaptations such as The House of the Spirits, based on the novel by Isabel Allende, alongside titles including Smilla's Sense of Snow, Les Misérables, Night Train to Lisbon, Silent Heart, The Chinese Widow, and A Fortunate Man. He also collaborated on The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones during his career.
Professional Honors and Appointments
The Kingdom of Denmark recognized his contributions to cinema by appointing him a Knight of the Order of the Dannebrog in 1992. His shelf of awards includes the 1984 LO's kulturpris, the 1993 Amanda Committee's Honorary Award, and the 2015 Den Spillende Faun. In 2011, he accepted an invitation to serve as a culture consultant for the Hangzhou government, while simultaneously becoming the first foreign director hired by Tianpeng Media to serve as its art director.
Fast facts
- Born: 1948, Brede, Denmark
- Education: National Film School of Denmark (1971-1973)
- Palme d'Or Wins: 1988 (Pelle the Conqueror), 1992 (The Best Intentions)
- Knight of the Order of the Dannebrog: 1992
- Occupations: Director, Screenwriter, Cinematographer, Photographer
- Citizenship: Kingdom of Denmark
- Notable Adaptation: The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende
Questions readers ask
How many times has Bille August won the Palme d'Or?
He has won the award twice, once in 1988 for Pelle the Conqueror and again in 1992 for The Best Intentions.
What is Bille August's background in film production?
He is a graduate of the National Film School of Denmark and began his career working as a cinematographer before becoming a feature director.
Achievements
- Palme d'Or — 1988
- Notable work: Pelle the Conqueror
- Notable work: The Best Intentions
- Educated at National Film School of Denmark
- Worked as film director, screenwriter and cinematographer
