Peter Shaffer
Birth Name:
Peter Levin Shaffer
Birth Place:
Liverpool, England
Profession
Writer, Music department
Fast Facts
- In 1959, he was awarded the New York Drama Critics' Award for Best Foreign Play
- In 2001, he was given the title of Knight Bachelor of the Order of the British Empire
- Earned a degree in history from Cambridge University
- Is the twin brother of fellow playwright Anthony Shaffer
- Before becoming a writer, he worked as an assistant at the New York Public Library
- Quote: "Art and literature are my surrogate religions․ I find in Mozart that ecstasy I don't find in codified faith․ I also find in reading - and even sometimes seeing - Shakespeare that same pleasure in perfection I discover in Mozart․"
- Has worked as a visiting theatre professor at Oxford University
Awards
- 1978Oscar - Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium:Nominated
- 1978BAFTA Film Award - Best Screenplay:Nominated
- 1984LAFCA Award - Best Screenplay:Winner
- 1985Oscar - Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium:Winner
- 1985Golden Globe - Best Screenplay - Motion Picture:Winner
- 1986BAFTA Film Award - Best Screenplay - Adapted:Nominated
- 2003DVD Premiere Award - Best Audio Commentary, Library Release:Nominated
- 2005Felix - Best Adapted Screenplay:Winner