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).

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).

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).