Philippe Garrel (born April 6, 1948 in Paris) is a French director, cinematographer, screenwriter, editor and producer. His movies have won him awards at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival and Venice Film Festival. He had a ten year relationship with German singer and actress Nico between 1969 and 1979 with the actress appearing in 7 of his films between 1972 and 1979. He is the father of actor Louis Garrel.
He was born in Paris in 1948, the son of actor Maurice Garrel. He started his film career early directing and writing his first film Les Enfants Désaccordés in 1964. Garrel met Nico in 1969 when she performed the song "The Falconer" for his film Le Lit de la Vierge and the couple were soon living together. Nico first appeared in the 1972 film La Cicatrice Intérieure (aka the Inner Scar). Songs included in the film appear on Nico`s album Desertshore, which features stills from the film on the front and back covers. Nico appeared in a number of Garrel`s films after this. Their ten year relationship ended in 1979.
In 1982, Garrel won the Prix Jean Vigo for the film L`Enfant Secret. He won Perspectives du Cinéma Award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1984 for his 1983 film La Nuit Liberté.

Over a ten year period, Garrel enjoyed a good run of critical recognition at the Venice Film Festival. In 1991, he won a Silver Lion for his film J`entends Plus la Guitare which was nominated for a Golden Lion. Le Vent de la Nuit was nominated for a Golden Lion in 1999. Two years later, Sauvage Innocence was nominated for a Golden Lion and won the FIPRESCI Prize. His 2005 film Les Amants Réguliers won him the Silver Lion, for Best Director.