Lone Scherfig

After graduating from the Danish Film School in 1984, Lone Sherfig made her feature directorial debut in 1990 with the award-winning drama "The Birthday Trip." Although the film brought Scherfig critical acclaim, it would be years before she would direct a follow-up film. In the time between, Scherfig made a living by directing Danish television shows, including several episodes of the sitcom "Flemming og Berit." In 1998 she directed her second feature film with the heartwarming comedy, "On Our Own." Once again, Scherfig's film would go on to win awards, including the Grand Prix at the Montreal Film Festival. In 2000 Sherfig directed the internationally-acclaimed romantic comedy "Italian for Beginners," which won the Silver Bear Award at the Berlin Film Festival. The film was also notable for its minimal use of professional lighting and props, particular to the Dogme95 film collective. As a director, Scherfig was one of the movement's most devoted followers, even though her next few films would adhere to more classical filmmaking methods. She made her first English-language film in 2002 with the romantic comedy, "Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself," and followed that up with the comedy "Just Like Home," which was released in 2007. Scherfig's biggest success to date came in 2009 when she directed "An Education." The English-language film, about a high school girl who falls in love with an older man, was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.