The Elephant Man is a 1980 American biographical film about Joseph Merrick (whom the script calls John Merrick), a severely deformed man in 19th century London. The film was directed by David Lynch and stars John Hurt, Anthony Hopkins and Anne Bancroft between others. The Elephant Man was a critical and commercial success with eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best adapted Screenplay and Best Actor. When the Academy was scolded for failing to honor the make-up work on the film, it prompted them to create the Academy Award for Best Make-up and Hairstyling the following year. The film also won the BAFTA Awards for Best Film, Best Actor and Best Production Design.
