Luc Besson French Director Known for Léon: The Professional

Luc Besson, born 18 March 1959 in 15th arrondissement of Paris, is a French director. He is recognised for appearances in Léon: The Professional (1994) and The Fifth Element (1997).

Career

Records list L'Avant-dernier (1981) as his earliest screen credit. In the 1980s, he appeared in Subway (1985) and The Big Blue (1988). The 2000s brought Taxi 2 (2000). His 2010s credits include From Paris with Love (2010).

In all, 60 films appear in his credits from 1981 to 2025. The newest title on record is June and John, from 2025. He is also credited as director on 22 titles, including Lucy, and writer on 57 titles, including Taken. Arthur and the Minimoys is listed among his notable work.

Recognition

Luc Besson received a Sitges Film Festival Best Director award in 1983 for Le Dernier Combat. Further recognition came with the César Award for Best Director (1998) for The Fifth Element and an Inkpot Award (2016). His awards record shows 3 wins and 3 nominations.

Public roles

He has served as President of the Jury at the Cannes Festival.

Personal life

He has been married to Virginie Silla since 2004. Earlier marriages on record are to Anne Parillaud (1986 to 1991), Maïwenn (1992 to 1997) and Milla Jovovich (1997 to 1999). He is the father of Shanna Besson and Talia Besson, and has 5 children in total.