RATINGS: Cast & Crew

DOB: August 1, 1965

Background: Mendes was born in Reading, Berkshire, England. He attended Cambridge and directed several plays as a member of the Marlowe Society. His notable theatrical productions included "Cyrano de Bergerac," "The Cherry Orchard," and many plays for the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Filmography: His feature directing debut was "American Beauty" (1999), which won him the Oscar for Best Director. He has also directed "Road to Perdition" (2002), "Jarhead" (2005), "Revolutionary Road" (2008), and "Away We Go" (2009). His latest film is "Skyfall" (2012), the latest film in the long-running James Bond franchise.

Academy Awards: Win - Best Director ("American Beauty," 1999)

Tony Awards: Wins - Best Play ("Red," 2010); Best Play ("Take Me Out," 2003); Best Play Revival ("The Real Thing," 2000)

Best Musical nominations:
- "Shrek the Musical" (2009); lost to "Billy Elliot: The Musical"

Best Play Revival nomination:
- "Mary Stuart" (2009); lost to "The Norman Conquests"
- "Electra" (1999); lost to "Death of a Salesman"

Best Directing of a Musical nomination:
- "Cabaret" (1998); lost to Julie Taymor ("The Lion King")