Paul Dano is an acclaimed American actor and filmmaker known for his intense and versatile performances. He first gained significant critical attention for his role in the 2006 independent film Little Miss Sunshine. Dano received widespread acclaim for his dual role as Paul and Eli Sunday in Paul Thomas Anderson's 2007 film There Will Be Blood. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with notable directors such as Steve McQueen, Denis Villeneuve, and Bong Joon-ho. He earned a BAFTA nomination for his performance in the 2014 film 12 Years a Slave. In 2018, Dano made his directorial debut with the drama film Wildlife, which he also co-wrote. He portrayed the iconic villain The Riddler in the 2022 superhero film The Batman. Dano has also appeared in television projects, including the miniseries Escape at Dannemora, for which he received an Emmy nomination. He is known for his ability to portray complex, often troubled characters with great depth and nuance. Beyond acting, he has explored music as a member of the band Mook. He is currently in a long-term relationship with actress and writer Zoe Kazan, with whom he has two children. His body of work continues to be recognized for its artistic integrity and commitment to character-driven storytelling.