Walter Salles is a Brazilian film director and producer, known for his work in both Brazilian cinema and international films. He was born on April 12, 1956, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Salles gained recognition for his films that often explore themes of identity, travel, and the human experience. One of his most acclaimed works is Central Station (1998), which received an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. Salles also directed The Motorcycle Diaries (2004), a biographical film about Ernesto "Che" Guevara, which further solidified his reputation as a talented filmmaker.