Academy Award-winning writer, actor and director, Billy Bob Thornton has an extensive and impressive career in motion pictures, television and theatre.  Charismatic and uniquely talented, Thornton has established himself as one of the most sought after filmmakers of his generation.

The 1996 release of the critically acclaimed and phenomenally popular feature film “Sling Blade,” which he starred in and directed from an original script he wrote, firmly secured Thornton’s status as a preeminent filmmaker.  For his efforts, he was honored with both an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.  The film, produced by The Shooting Gallery and released by Miramax, also starred Robert Duvall, JT Walsh, Dwight Yoakam and John Ritter.

Prior to “Sling Blade,” Thornton already had an extensive motion picture credit list.  He wrote and starred in the thrilling character drama “One False Move,” which brought him immediate critical praise.  Thornton’s powerful script (co-written with Tom Epperson) was enhanced by his intense performance as a hunted criminal.  The film, directed by Carl Franklin, was an unheralded sleeper success.

In addition, Thornton has been featured in such films as “The Winner,” for director Alex Cox, Paramount Pictures’ “Indecent Proposal” directed by Adrian Lyne, “Deadman,” for director Jim Jarmusch for Miramax, and in “Tombstone,” directed by George Cosmatos for Buena Vista Pictures.  Thornton has also appeared in the films “On Deadly Ground,” “Bound By Honor,” “For the Boys” and “The Stars Fell on Henrietta.”

As a writer, Thornton has worked on numerous projects for United Artists, Miramax, Universal Studios, Warner Bros., Touchstone Pictures, Island Pictures, David Geffen Productions and HBO.  He also scripted  “A Family Thing,” a highly regarded feature film that starred Robert Duvall and James Earl Jones, for UA.

Thornton co-starred in the blockbuster action-adventure film “Armageddon” with Bruce Willis for producer Jerry Bruckheimer and he also co-starred opposite Sean Penn in “U-Turn,” directed by Oliver Stone and in “Primary Colors” opposite John Travolta and Emma Thompson for director Mike Nichols.  He also starred in the dark comedy “Pushing Tin” opposite John Cusack.

Thornton received both an Academy Award and Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his celebrated work in the tightly-woven drama “A Simple Plan” for director Sam Raimi.  He also garnered a Best Supporting Actor award from the Los Angeles Film Critics  Association and Best Supporting Actor nomination from the Screen Actors Guild.

More recently, Thornton directed “All the Pretty Horses,” based on the Cormac McCarthy best-selling novel.  The film was shot entirely on location and stars Matt Damon, Penelope Cruz and Henry Thomas, and opened Christmas 2000, which also saw the opening of “The Gift,” starring Cate Blanchette, Giovanni Ribisi and Hilary Swank, which Thornton co-wrote.

Thornton has also completed production on “Daddy and Them,” which he directed, wrote and stars in.  He also recently filmed “Wakin’ Up in Reno.”

Thornton most recently starred in “The Man Who Wasn’t There,” a Coen Brothers film that had its world premiere at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival.