BY ACTOR: H

The French actor won the César award for Best Actress for 'Les Combattants' (2014). She recently played the lead in the Dardenne brothers' 'The Unknown Girl' (2016).

Her startling portrayal of Christine Chubbock in Antonio Compos’ 'Christine' might have brought Rebecca Hall widespread acclaim following its Sundance premiere, but it is not the first performance to highlight her charisma and skill as an actor. She began her screen career with a role in her father Peter Hall’s TV adaptation of Mary Wesley’s 'The Camomille Lawn' (1992). Her stage debut came a decade later, in Shaw’s ‘Mrs Warren’s Profession’. It was her portrayal of left-wing student Rebecca Epstein in 'Starter for 10' (2006) that first revealed her command of the screen, balancing humour and drama as James McAvoy’s foil and love interest. A minor role in Christopher Nolan’s 'The Prestige' (2006) was followed by a subtle performance in Woody Allen’s 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona' (2008), which saw her nominated for a Golden Globe. She won a Best Supporting Actress BAFTA for her role in the TV film 'Red Riding: In the Year of Our Lord 1974' (2009). Four years later, she was nominated for a Best Actress BAFTA for her ruthless Sylvia Tietjens in 'Parade’s End' (2012). Other notable film roles include a smart comic turn in 'Please Give' and a Boston woman caught up in a relationship with a habitual criminal in 'The Town' (both 2010), a woman haunted by ghosts in 'The Awakening' (2011), her first blockbuster role in 'Iron Man 3' (2013) and the soul of Joel Edgerton’s smart thriller 'The Gift' (2015).

Michael Haneke, born in Munich in 1942, is an Austrian director known for directing films such as 'Caché' (2005), 'The White Ribbon' (2009) and 'Amour' (2012). He studied philosophy, psychology and theatre in Vienna and has worked in theatre, opera and television. His work focuses on themes such as Europe's war-torn past and the loss of individuality in modern society.

Ethan Hawke was born in Austin, Texas in 1970. After making his breakthrough appearance in ‘Dead Poets Society’ in 1989, he went on to star in ‘Reality Bites’ (1994). He has frequently collaborated with American director Richard Linklater in ‘Before Sunrise’ (1995) and its subsequent sequels ‘Before Sunset’ (2004) and ‘Before Midnight’ (2013). For the latter two films he received Oscar nominations for co-writing the screenplays.

John Hawkes was born in Minnesota, USA in 1959. One of America's most talented and versatile actors, Hawkes' film credits include roles in 'A Perfect Storm' (2000) and 'American Gangster' (2007). In 2010, Hawkes earned an Oscar-nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Debra Granik's 'Winter’s Bone' alongside Jennifer Lawrence. Off set, Hawkes records and performs with his band King Straggler.

She is the daughter of an opera singer and successful businessman. Her career began in Mexican television and film, but Hollywood took no time in enticing her across the border. Her breakthrough came with appearances in a number of films by fellow Mexican Roberto Rodriguez. They include 'Roadracers' (1994), 'Desperado' (1995), 'Four Rooms' (1995), 'From Dusk Till Dawn' (1996), 'Spy Kids 3D: Game Over' and 'Once Upon a Time in Mexico' (both 2003). She dazzled in '54' (1998), is fun in 'The Faculty' (1998), perhaps should have avoided 'Wild Wild West' (1999) and is game in Mike Figgis’ split-screen cinematic experiment 'Timecode' (2000). She is a welcome recurring character in both 'Ugly Betty' (2006-7) and '30 Rock' (2009-13) but is at her best playing the iconic Mexican artist in 'Frida' (2002) and a Queen in 'Tale of Tales' (2015), whose desire to have a child leads to a pact with dark forces that change her destiny.

A decade in TV series and mostly forgettable films has been eclipsed by Christina Hendricks ongoing – and frequently scene-stealing – role as Joan in 'Mad Men' (2007-15). She brought sass and style to the role, becoming one of the show’s most iconic characters. Her key films around this time were as an ill-fated moll in Nicolas Winding Refn’s retro classic 'Drive' and as a teacher nearing breaking point in Tony Kaye’s underrated 'Detachment' (both 2011). She is excellent as the distracted mother in 'Ginger & Rosa' (2012), emanates despair and desire for a better life in fellow Mad Men actor John Slattery’s solid feature debut 'God’s Pocket' and is wasted in Ryan Gosling’s self-conscious study in cruelty 'Lost River' (both 2014). There have been cameos in 'Zoolander 2' and 'The Neon Demon', and an unwise appearance in 'Bad Santa 2' (all 2016).

Werner Herzog grew up in a remote mountain village in Bavaria and studied History and German literature in Munich and Pittsburgh. He made his first film in 1961, and since then he has produced, written, and directed more than sixy feature and documentaries such as 'Aguirre, the Wrath of God' (1972), 'Fitzcarraldo' (1982) and 'Grizzly Man' (2005). Herzog has also published more than a dozen books and has directed as many operas.

Tom Hiddleston, born in 1981 in London, is a Cambridge graduate best known for his villainous roles in blockbusters such as 'Thor' (2011) and 'The Avengers' (2012). He is also renowned for his theatre work in Donmar Warehouse productions, and has been in a creative partnership with British director Joanna Hogg, starring in all of her feature films to date: 'Unrelated' (2007), 'Archipelago' (2010) and 'Exhibition' (2014).

Philip Seymour Hoffman (1967-2014) was an American actor and director, known for 'Capote' (2005) for which he won the Oscar for Best Actor. After his breakthrough role in 'Boogie Nights' (1997), he quickly became an icon of independent cinema and established his reputation as one of America's finest actors, bringing depth and humanity to each of his versatile performances. 'Jack Goes Boating' (2010) was Hoffman's directorial debut.

One of the most famous and respected French actresses of her generation, Isabelle Huppert was born in Paris, France in 1953. She has appeared in more than 100 television productions since 1971, and has been directed by filmmakers such as Jean-Luc Godard, Claude Chabrol and Michael Haneke. She has won two Best Actress Awards in Cannes, and a Most Promising Newcomer BAFTA for her role in Claude Goretta's 'The Lacemaker' (1977).