Lars von Trier is a Danish film director, screenwriter, and producer. He is best known for his films such as Breaking the Waves, Dancer in the Dark, Dogville, Melancholia, and Nymphomaniac. He is considered to be one of the most influential and controversial filmmakers in the world. Von Trier has won numerous awards, including the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival for his film Dancer in the Dark.