THE AVIATOR, a dramatic biography of eccentric aviation pioneer, movie producer and womanizing tycoon, Howard Hughes, features Leonardo DiCaprio in one of the most challenging roles of his career. The film is written by John Logan (GLADIATOR), and reunites Leonardo with director Martin Scorsese (GANGS OF NEW YORK).

The film covers the late 1920s to the early 1950s. At the age of 22, Hughes produces and directs "Hell's Angels", a World War I spectacular that features the most daring airplane cinematography the world has ever seen.

He follows this by developing several innovative airplanes. During this development he survives 2 terrifying airplane crashes. He then creates TWA (Trans World Airlines) in a business climate that would seem completely closed to any new competition.

He courts many of the era's most beautiful and fascinating women, including Jean Harlow, Gwen Stefani in her film debut, and Ava Gardner, played by Kate Beckinsale. His relationship with Katherine Hepburn (Cate Blanchett) is also chronicled in the film.

Howard Hughes suffers from an obsessive compulsive disorder that tragically causes his ultimate descent into madness during these years.

THE AVIATOR was photographed by Robert Richardson (JFK), and features production design by Dante Ferretti (GANGS OF NEW YORK), costumes by Sandy Powell (SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE), and music by Howard Shore (LORD OF THE RINGS).

Produced by Graham King, Michael Mann, Leonardo DiCaprio, Charles Evans, Jr., and Sandy Climan. Released by Miramax Films, Initial Entertainment Group and Warner Brothers Pictures.

To see all the awards and nominations for THE AVIATOR, click here