7 Facts About Damien Chazelle, the Man Behind La La Land
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With the major popularity surrounding La La Land this award season, the film's director and writer, Damien Chazelle, has stepped into the spotlight in a big way. He has a Critics' Choice Award and a Golden Globe under his belt, and now he's in the running for the best director Oscar. At only 31, Chazelle already has one impressive résumé. If you're wondering who the man behind this year's most romantic musical is, check out some of his most interesting facts here.
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La La Land Isn’t His First Big Hit
You're probably familiar with some of his past work. Not only did he co-write 10 Cloverfield Lane, but he received five Academy Award nominations for his film, Whiplash.
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He Initially Wanted to Be a Musician
Interestingly enough, Chazelle was a jazz drummer in high school. His intense music teacher was actually the inspiration behind his Whiplash character, Terence Fletcher, portrayed by J.K. Simmons.
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He Graduated From Harvard
After high school, he studied filmmaking in the Visual and Environmental Studies department at Harvard University. During his college years, he also met and befriended Justin Hurwitz, the composer of La La Land. He graduated in 2007 and eventually moved to LA.
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He Is the Youngest Person to Win a Golden Globe For Best Director
Just like La La Land, Chazelle has set a record this award season. At 31, he is the youngest best director winner in Golden Globes history.
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He Worked With His Ex on La La Land
No awkwardness here! Even though he is currently dating actress Olivia Hamilton, his ex-wife Jasmine McGlade, whom he split from in 2014, executive produced La La Land. According to Variety, McGlade was given a last-minute credit in early December before the film's release.
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His Sister Is Also in the Business
His sister, Anna, is an actress and circus performer. She even appeared twice in La La Land, performing in the opening sequence, then as one of the casting assistants.