Paul Greengrass

One of the most politically conscious filmmakers of his day, British writer, director and documentarian Paul Greengrass received considerable praise for his willingness to tackle difficult subjects while also making tense and entertaining movies. Over the course of a 20-year career, he aimed his trademark hand-held camera at terrorism in Northern Ireland, corruption in the military, and the hijacking of United Flight 93 during the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Meanwhile, Greengrass directed two intense, non-stop action installments to the Jason Bourne series, "The Bourne Supremacy" (2004) and "The Bourne Ultimatum" (2007), which proved he could also helm a big budget studio film without undermining his credibility or creativity. In all cases, his films were challenging and uncompromising fare which highlighted the human condition in its best - sometimes worst - possible light, making Greengrass one of the more inventive and compelling filmmakers working in Hollywood.