Born on February 6, 1964, in Novosibirsk, Soviet Union, he emerged as a prominent Russian filmmaker known for his evocative storytelling and exploration of moral and social themes. Initially an actor, he transitioned to directing with his acclaimed debut feature, "The Return" (2003), which won the Golden Lion at Venice. His subsequent works, including "Leviathan" (2014) and "Loveless" (2017), have garnered international recognition, earning awards and nominations at Cannes and the Oscars.