The Secret in Their Eyes, released in 2009, brought worldwide attention to Argentine director Juan J. Campanella and earned him the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Born in Buenos Aires in 1959, he maintains dual citizenship between Argentina and Spain, balancing a career that spans feature filmmaking, television production, and theatrical screenwriting.
Early Development
Campanella initially pursued engineering at a university in his home country but abandoned the degree in 1980 after four years of study. The decision followed his viewing of the film All That Jazz. He directed his first short, Prioridad nacional, in 1979. He subsequently moved to the United States to study at the Tisch School of the Arts.
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His 1984 film Victoria 392 served as his first collaboration with screenwriter Fernando Castets and actor Eduardo Blanco. This partnership continued through several projects, including El Mismo Amor, la Misma Lluvia in 1999 and the 2001 film Son of the Bride, which received an Academy Award nomination. Ricardo Darín frequently starred in these productions, appearing in multiple works alongside Blanco.
Television and International Scope
Beyond his work in Argentina, Campanella directed American films such as The Boy Who Cried Bitch in 1991 and Love Walked In in 1997. His television credits include directing episodes for American series like House, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, 30 Rock, Halt and Catch Fire, and Colony. He also earned Daytime Emmy Awards for his work on children's specials.
Professional Recognition
Campanella has received numerous accolades for his directing and screenwriting, including several Silver Condor Awards. His work on The Secret in Their Eyes earned him international prizes such as the Goya Award and an Ariel Award. In addition to his screen work, he has directed stage plays including Parque Lezama in 2014 and ¿Que hacemos con Walter? in 2018.
Fast facts
- Born: 1959, Buenos Aires
- Citizenship: Argentina and Spain
- Education: Tisch School of the Arts
- Notable Film: The Secret in Their Eyes
- Academy Award win: 2010
- Television work: House, 30 Rock
- Academic pursuit: Masters in Political Science, Universidad Torcuato di Tella
Questions readers ask
What is Juan J. Campanella's educational background?
He holds a Master in Fine Arts from the Tisch School of the Arts and is pursuing a Masters in Political Science at Universidad Torcuato di Tella.
Which major awards has he won?
He won an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2010, along with multiple Silver Condor Awards and Daytime Emmy Awards.
Achievements
- Notable work: The Secret in Their Eyes
- Notable work: Son of the Bride
- Worked as film director, screenwriter and actor
