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David Mamet Biography

Birth Name:David Alan Mamet

Birth Place:Chicago, Illinois, United States

Profession Writer, Director, Producer, Actor, Soundtrack

Fast Facts

  • Won the Pulitzer Prize in Drama for his play, "Glengarry Glen Ross" in 1984
  • Worked as a busboy at The Second City in Chicago when he was young
  • Often uses a telephone as an important plot device or a weapon in his works
  • Known for his attention to detail in dialogue, featuring quick, profane outbursts, letting actors stutter or leave out lines when it feels natural and even using a metronome to perfect the rhythm of delivery
  • Has released numerous books in the genres of poetry, fiction and nonfiction
  • Uses a typewriter to write his plays and screenplays instead of a computer

Awards

  • 1983Oscar-Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium: nominated
  • 1983Golden Globe-Best Screenplay - Motion Picture: nominated
  • 1983WGA Award (Screen)-Best Drama Adapted from Another Medium: nominated
  • 1987Golden Lion-: nominated
  • 1987Golden Ciak-Best Film: winner
  • 1987Cinecritica Award-: winner
  • 1987Pasinetti Award-Best Film: winner
  • 1987Golden Osella-Best Screenplay: winner
  • 1988David-Best Foreign Screenplay (Migliore Sceneggiatura Straniera): nominated
  • 1988Golden Globe-Best Screenplay - Motion Picture: nominated
  • 1988Golden Lion-: nominated
  • 1988WGA Award (Screen)-Best Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium: nominated
  • 1989Edgar-Best Motion Picture: nominated
  • 1989ALFS Award-Screenwriter of the Year: winner
  • 1991Palme d'Or-: nominated
  • 1992ACCA-Best Adapted Screenplay: nominated
  • 1992ALFS Award-Screenwriter of the Year: winner
  • 1993CFCA Award-Best Screenplay: nominated
  • 1993WGA Award (Screen)-Best Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published: nominated
  • 1994Wise Owl Award - Honorable Mention-Television and Theatrical Film Fiction: winner
  • 1997ACCA-Best Adapted Screenplay: nominated
  • 1998Oscar-Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published: nominated
  • 1998Golden Globe-Best Screenplay - Motion Picture: nominated
  • 1998OFTA Film Award-Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium: nominated
  • 1998WGA Award (Screen)-Best Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published: nominated
  • 1999Los Charales Award-Best Studio Feature Film: winner
  • 1999BAFTA Film Award-Best Screenplay - Adapted: nominated
  • 1999Un Certain Regard Award-: nominated
  • 1999Chlotrudis Award-Best Screenplay: nominated
  • 1999Edgar-Best Motion Picture: nominated
  • 1999Independent Spirit Award-Best Screenplay: nominated
  • 1999Truly Moving Picture Award-: winner
  • 2000Chlotrudis Award-Best Director: nominated
  • 2000Jury Award-Best Film: winner
  • 2001CFCA Award-Best Screenplay: nominated
  • 2001Chlotrudis Award-Best Original Screenplay: nominated
  • 2001FFCC Award-Best Screenplay: winner
  • 2001OFCS Award-Best Screenplay: nominated
  • 2001Golden Satellite Award-Best Screenplay, Original: nominated
  • 2002Chainsaw Award-Best Screenplay: nominated
  • 2013Felix-Best Adapted Screenplay: nominated
  • 2013OFTA Television Award-Best Direction of a Motion Picture or Miniseries: nominated
  • 2013OFTA Television Award-Best Writing of a Motion Picture or Miniseries: nominated
  • 2013Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special: nominated
  • 2013Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Miniseries or Movie: nominated
  • 2013Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special: nominated
  • 2014DGA Award-Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Movies for Television and Mini-Series: nominated
  • 2018Felix-Best Adapted Screenplay: nominated