Haggis, Paul (1953– )

Canadian film and television director, producer, and screenwriter. He was widely acclaimed for his film Crash (2005), a drama exploring social and racial tensions in Los Angeles, which he directed, co-wrote, and co-produced. The film won the 2006 Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay.

Haggis has written several successful screenplays, including the Academy Award-winning boxing drama Million Dollar Baby (2004), directed by Clint Eastwood, the historical adaptation The Flags of Our Fathers (2006), about the battle of Iwo Jima, and the crime drama In the Valley of Elah (2007), which he also directed. He has written and produced a number of television series, including the popular 1980s drama thirtysomething and the 1990s law-enforcement drama Walker, Texas Ranger.

Haggis was born and grew up in London, Ontario, where his parents owned a theatre, providing Haggis with directorial opportunities during the 1970s. He has been active in environmental and non-violent organizations and is a co-founder of Artists for Peace and Justice.