Howard Hawks (Howard Winchester Hawks, May 30, 1896, Goshen, Indiana, United States - December 26, 1977, Palm Springs, California, United States) was an American film director and producer known for his versatility and significant contributions to various film genres.

Film Career. Howard Hawks' film career was exceptional for its versatility and significant contributions to various film genres. He was one of Hollywood's most prolific directors, helming over 40 films in a career that spanned more than five decades. Hawks was known for his meticulous approach to directing, his ability to elicit outstanding performances from actors, and his capacity to adapt to a wide range of genres, from noir to comedy, from westerns to adventure.

Early Life. Born in Goshen, Indiana, Hawks began his career in the film industry in the 1920s, working as a screenwriter before transitioning to directing. His first significant success was the silent film "The Criminal Code" (1931), which laid the foundation for an extraordinary career.

Personal Life. Howard Hawks was married three times and was known for his reserved personality. He had a passion for hunting and fishing, which he occasionally incorporated into his films, as seen in "Hatari!" (1962), set in Africa and centered around big-game hunters.

Interests. In addition to directing, Hawks had a deep passion for aviation. He owned a personal airplane and often integrated his love of flying into his films. This interest was evident in movies such as "Only Angels Have Wings" (1939), set in an airline company, and "Air Force" (1943), a wartime film set during World War II.

Important Films:

"Scarface" (1932): Howard Hawks directed this crime story that has become a classic of the gangster film genre. The film explores the life of Tony Camonte, played by Paul Muni.

"Rio Bravo" (1959): A beloved western, with John Wayne in the lead role, is one of Hawks' most well-known films.

"His Girl Friday" (1940): One of the most famous screwball comedies, starring Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell, showcasing Hawks' mastery in directing comedy.

"To Have and Have Not" (1944): This adventure and romance film created one of the most iconic on-screen couples, Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.

Filmography 

The Road to Glory (1926)

Fig Leaves (1926)

The Cradle Snatchers (1927)

Paid to Love (1927)

A Girl in Every Port (1928)

Fazil (1928)

The Air Circus (1928)

Trent's Last Case (1929)

The Dawn Patrol (1930)

The Criminal Code (1931)

Scarface (1932)

The Crowd Roars (1932)

Tiger Shark (1932)

Today We Live (1933)

Twentieth Century (1934)

Barbary Coast (1935)

Ceiling Zero (1936)

The Road to Glory (1936)

Come and Get It (1936)

Bringing Up Baby (1938)

Only Angels Have Wings (1939)

His Girl Friday (1940)

Sergeant York (1941)

Ball of Fire (1941)

Air Force (1943)

To Have and Have Not (1944)

The Big Sleep (1946)

Red River (1948)

I Was a Male War Bride (1949)

The Thing from Another World (1951)

Monkey Business (1952)

O. Henry's Full House (1952)

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)

Land of the Pharaohs (1955)

Rio Bravo (1959)

Hatari! (1962)

Man's Favorite Sport? (1964)

Red Line 7000 (1965)

El Dorado (1966)

Rio Lobo (1970)

Awards

Academy Awards (Oscars):

• Honorary Oscar: Received in 1975 for his unique and creative contributions to the world of cinema.

Directors Guild of America Awards (DGA):

DGA Lifetime Achievement Award: Won for his outstanding contribution to film directing.