Born in Los Angeles in 1968, this filmmaker became a pivotal figure in American cinema with his debut film, "Boyz n the Hood" (1991), which earned him Academy Award nominations for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay, making him the first African American and youngest person to be nominated for Best Director. His works often explored urban and racial themes. He directed films like "Poetic Justice" (1993) and "Higher Learning" (1995). He passed away in 2019, leaving a lasting legacy in film.