Alexander Payne is one of the most unique filmmakers working today. His respect for cinema and care for storytelling sets him apart from the studio system which owns Hollywood. In a time when most films cost tens of millions in A-list actors and special effects, Payne's film are simplified to the core of storytelling - the characters. Each of his films mimic real life, with situations and people to which most everybody can relate. Perhaps one of the boldest elements of Payne's filmmaking style, is his risk to handle characters which are neither good nor bad. Instead, he examines normal lifestyles, along with dramatic and comedic elements which we can find in our own experiences.

Alexander Payne made his feature film debut with the critically acclaimed Citizen Ruth, which won first prize at the Munich Film Festival and for which Laura Dern won best actress at the Montreal Film Festival. He followed up with Election, a film which, in addition to enthusiastic reviews, earned him and writing partner Jim Taylor best screenplay awards from the WGA, the New York Film Critics Circle and the Independent Sprit Awards, as well as an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. At the Independent Spirit awards, Election also won Best Film and Payne Best Director. Reese Witherspoon garnered a Golden Globe nomination. 

Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Payne received B.A. degrees in History and Spanish Literature from Stanford University. Payne later earned an M.F.A. in filmmaking from UCLA. His thesis film, The Passion of Martin, screened at the 1991 Sundance Film Festival and at over 20 other festivals around the world and won many awards.

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