Entertainment

The Nominees: Paul Haggis

By Carol Kopp

February 22, 2006 / 12:59 PM EST / CBS

Paul Haggis is a versatile Hollywood writer, director and producer whose credits range from the movie "Million Dollar Baby" (screenwriter) to the television show "Walker, Texas Ranger" (writer/producer).

"Crash" is only the second feature film directed by Haggis, who also co-wrote the script and co-produced the movie.

It has been nominated for six Academy Awards, including best picture, best director and best original screenplay.

Haggis' earlier movie directing effort, "Red Hot," went straight to video in 1993.

For more on Paul Haggis and on "Crash"…
See an interview and movie clip of co-star Don Cheadle from The Early Show interview about "Crash."
See Oscar nominee Matt Dillon in the movie and in an interview.
Find out about all the nominees in the Academy Awards special report.

Born March 10, 1953 in the Canadian city of London, Ontario, Haggis was previously nominated for an Academy Award for his screenplay adaptation of Clint Eastwood's "Million Dollar Baby."

He is a prolific television producer, writer and director, with credits including "thirtysomething," which won him an Emmy as producer and another for directing. He has a current hit in "The Black Donnellys" on NBC.